Committee backs creation of Maine Home Energy Navigator hub with $100,000 appropriation

House Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee Chair Meli Sachs opened consideration of LD 2220, which would create the Maine Home Energy Navigator and Coaching Resource Hub within the Department of Energy Resources and provide standardized training curricula for community energy coaching programs.

Lindsey, the committee bill analyst, told members the bill was a committee measure and included a $100,000 one‑time general‑fund appropriation to stand up the resource hub and support standardized materials. ‘‘This bill would create the Maine Home Energy Navigator and Coaching Resource Hub, within the Department of Energy Resources,’’ the analyst said.

Representative Chris Kessler moved the committee report ‘‘ought to pass as amended,’’ and Representative Kilton Webb seconded the motion. Representative Steve Foster raised a question about duplication with Efficiency Maine Trust and the scale of the fiscal note; Chair Sachs and members confirmed the amendment adopted the fiscal note and emphasized coordination with existing programs to avoid redundant services.

Representative Kessler framed the hub as a local‑delivery resource: "I really feel like this is important work to continue doing…there's so many ways that the process can go sideways or homeowners can't necessarily get the information that they need to make an informed decision," she said.

The committee completed a roll‑call vote. Members recorded seven votes in favor and four opposed; absent members were counted and encouraged to vote forthwith. The committee closed its work session on LD 2220 and will forward the majority report for further consideration.

The committee noted staff will work with interested parties to finalize drafting details and coordinate with Efficiency Maine Trust to avoid duplication. The bill now moves forward with the committee’s recommendation.