Renewable Energy

Shoreland Zoning Assistance

Down East Coastal Scenic Inventory

Solid Waste Management

 Renewable Energy 
WCCOG provides assistance to interested Washington County communities with a variety of planning issues related to renewable energy, including: developing community energy plans, technical assistance with ordinances related to renewable energy (e.g. wind towers), and assistance with grants to implement community energy plans.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
In late 2009,  the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) solicited applications for a first round of grants from local and county governments for energy efficiency and conservation projects.  Applicants could submit either a Custom Project application (capped at $85,000 for individual municipality) or a Template Planning Project (capped at $10,000). 

The PUC announced the second round of grants on June 7, 2010. The PUC is seeking a statement of interest from municipalities that is due no later than 5PM on Thursday June 25th. Efficiency Maine Trust will review those submissions and solicit full proposals from municipalities that have submitted a Statement of Interest.

WCCOG assisted six Washington County communities in the preparation of applications for the first round of these grants. All six application were fully funded. Links to some of these successful applications are provided below.

• The Town of Addison was awarded $76,847 to install a windmill, conduct energy audits and install energy efficient lighting in town buildings. Application.

• The City of Calais was awarded $85,000 to make energy efficiency retrofits on the Public Safety Building.

• The Town of Columbia was awarded $20,630 install a waste oil burner at the transfer station. Application.

• The Town of Machias was awarded $10,000 (template grant) to develop a community energy plan, which will include energy audits of municipal facilities. Application.

• The Town of Perry was awarded $85,000 to install a wood pellet boiler and make energy efficiency retrofits for municipal building expansion. Application

• The County of Washington was awarded $10,000 (template grant) to develop a county energy plan, which will include energy audits of county buildings.  Application

For more information, contact Judy East at 454-0465 or Jeremy Gabrielson at 255-0983. Please note Judy will be away from June 16-29, 2010 so call Jeremy if you have questions/need assistance after the 15th.

WCCOG is a municipal membership organization that delivers a wide range of customized planning, advisory
and resources development services to help communities build the future of Washington County, Maine.

Calais Office
Washington County Council of Gov'ts
PO Box 631, Calais, ME 04619
(207) 454-0465 Fax: (207) 454-2568
Toll free (888) 287-3006

Machias Office
Washington County Council of Gov'ts
PO Box 617, Machias, ME 0465454
(207) 255-0983 Fax: (207) 255-4987