January’s Action: Take Advantage of Freeport’s Energy Efficiency Rebates

Take advantage of Freeport’s expanded
Energy Efficiency Rebates

With winter settling in and heating bills mounting, many start thinking about how to be more energy efficient. Did you know that on top of Efficiency Maine’s statewide rebates, the town of Freeport also offers an income-qualified energy efficiency rebate program? While funding lasts, eligible homeowners can receive up to $1200 off heat pumps, plus additional assistance for energy assessments, weatherization, insulation, and more. Plus, receive discounts on electric equipment like EVs, e-bikes, and electric lawn mowers.

The program was recently expanded, so be sure to check with Freeport’s Sustainability Director Meddy Smith to see if you qualify: [email protected], (207) 865-4743 ext 115. You can also refer to the FAQ doc here.

Though they require an initial investment, installing heat pumps is the cheapest and most efficient way to handle both heating and cooling, no matter where you live–and it can be one of the most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint within your home. And they will pay for themselves quickly. One great source to learn more about heat pumps and if they are right for your home is Green & Healthy Maine Homes article archive.

More than $32,000 allocated to date, with more available

Maine has been a leader in heat pump installations as part of its overall climate goals, surpassing its goal of having 100,000 heat pumps installed two years early, and setting a new target of 175,000 more by 2027.

As of December 31, Freeport’s Electrify Everything! rebate program had distributed over $32,000 allocated for the program by the Town Council, including over $21,000 for heat pumps and insulation. The balance was for electric lawn equipment E-bikes and EVs. This will help 30 low- and medium-income Town residents reduce their use of fossil fuels.

The program was the brainchild of Mason Morfit, head of FreeportCAN’s Government Affairs Action Group. He had learned that South Portland’s use of its American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) for such purposes was working and thought Freeport should use some of its APRA funds for a rebate program. The program originally didn’t cover electric equipment, e-bikes or electric vehicles and eligible income levels were low—so it didn’t gain much traction.

So, FreeportCAN went back to the Council and convinced it to add electric equipment, e-bikes and EVs and raise the eligibility income levels. Since that time the program has been popular, and over $32,000 has been distributed as rebates. The plan now is to request the Council to allocate the additional $35,000 and for FreeportCAN to continue promotion of the program.