ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Towns of Kittery, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, and Ogunquit have shared a

commitment to address climate and energy issues in their communities through Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission's (SMPDC) Regional Sustainability and Resilience Program. Since 2019, the Towns and SMPDC have collaborated on energy and climate initiatives, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories, municipal solar procurement, and energy efficiency outreach programs. 

 

The Towns of Kittery, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport also worked with SMPDC to create local Climate Action Plans with ambitious targets to equitably reduce community GHG emissions. Residential electricity and heating fuel use contribute significantly to community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 10% to 32% of community-wide GHG emissions in the five-community region.

 

To meet their climate goals, the Towns plan to help homeowners reduce emissions through energy efficiency and electrification. While statewide programs exist, awareness of them is low, and there is a clear need for direct technical assistance and additional financial assistance for homeowners

 

The program’s aim is to reduce the barriers to accessing existing state and federal incentives and federal tax credits. This is a three-year program funded by the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.