http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/070202energy.htmlAUGUSTA - A state program that encourages energy efficiencies such as better light fixtures saved Mainers the equivalent of the annual electricity needs of nearly 11,000 homes last year, the Public Utilities Commission said.
The Efficiency Maine program reduced electricity use by more than 74 million kilowatt hours in 2006, helping to avert the production of more than 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide, a major pollutant contributing to global warming, the report said.
The program's effect on reducing carbon pollution was the equivalent of taking 7,624 cars off the road or serving the electrical needs of 11,000 homes, the PUC said.
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The report, which was presented last week to the Legislature, includes some energy-saving examples. It says lighting upgrades at B&M Baked Beans last year saved the Portland company $135,590.
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