Governor LePage’s Mission to Reduce Oil Consumption in Maine

Our state is buzzing about the Governor’s latest initiative of cutting Maine’s oil consumption in half by 2014.  This news is met with mixed emotions as people are trying to fathom:

• Whether we can make this shift or not?
• What are the risks associated with the alternatives?
• Who is going to pay for installing more gas lines?
• Will the price of natural gas or pellets go up?
• How will the average family afford the switch?
• What is Governor LePage’s real agenda?

These are wise concerns and questions that need to be asked in response to Governor LePage’s lofty goal.  We wish we could provide all the answers to everyone’s concerns but we can’t. However, we can provide some professional insight into a matter that we know well – Getting Off Oil.

Our company’s motto is “Your Partner on the Road off Oil.” Helping Mainers off oil is something that we have been doing collectively for over 50 years. Not because the government mandates that we do it; we do it because we feel strongly that being oil free is the best choice for homes and businesses in Maine. We are Maine’s only “No Oil” heating contractor; we have not and will not install a new oil boiler.

What we learned over the years is that Mainers are already striving to get off oil. We talk to people every day that are tired of paying high oil prices and scared of what the future will bring. Our clients want solutions and answers to the energy crisis that we are facing.

When you are considering the Governor’s goal of reducing Maine’s oil consumption by 50%, it’s important to remove your political biases and fears and look at this pragmatically. These are the facts:

• Oil prices are going up. This trend has been in place since 1995 and is predicted to continue.
• Experts agree that oil stores are diminishing which means we may not have affordable oil in the next 5-10 years. What good will a high efficiency oil boiler be then?
• Natural Gas, while not a perfect solution, is a practical and abundant solution for now.
• Technology will continue to advance and adapt to our energy needs.
• It’s not only about what fuel you use, it’s also about how energy efficient your home is. The better insulated your home, the less fuel you will use.
• Natural Gas and Pellets are not the only choices for alternative home heating in Maine. There are other viable options such as Air Source Heat Pumps and Gasifying Wood Boilers.
• Reducing oil consumption doesn’t always mean replacing your current heating system. Simple upgrades and changes to your home’s heating system plus removing hot water from your boiler can significantly reduce your oil consumption.

It’s easy to look at this as yet another government intrusion in our lives. However, this initiative is going to open many doors for Mainers to get off oil. We anticipate:

• More rebates and incentives for home owners and businesses to convert their heating systems and make their buildings more energy efficient
• Additional help for low income families
• More financial institutions offering affordable financing
• More home owners and businesses becoming educated on why it’s important to get off oil
• Possible subsidies on fuels other than oil

We hope that instead of getting nervous about another government initiative, Mainers realize the opportunity that is being offered to them – a chance to challenge ourselves to use less oil. As business and home owners, we can take steps, no matter how small, to reduce our energy consumption. By doing this not only will we help Governor LePage reach his goal, we will also create a better world for ourselves and future generations as well as save money and feel good about our choices.

As more companies jump on the “Get Off Oil” bandwagon, it will be important to seek a reputable company with experience to help you on your road off oil. We hope that you consider us when that time comes. In the meantime, feel free to explore our free resources to learn more about alternatives to oil heat in Maine.