This resolve directs the Maine Office of Community Affairs to establish the Maine Home Energy Navigator and Coaching Pilot Program to support energy efficiency of residential properties, enhance consumer protection and expand access to energy assistance programs, particularly for low-income and underserved communities. The pilot program
41 will perform in-person and remote home energy assessments to identify energy-saving
42 opportunities and assess current home performance and, if applicable, provide an
43 independent, 3rd-party analysis of contractor recommendations; educate homeowners
44 about the benefits of energy efficiency improvements; help low-income homeowners and
45 homeowners in underserved communities understand and navigate their options to
46 affordably meet their home energy needs; and engage in community outreach efforts to
47 improve the accessibility and inclusivity of energy efficiency programs in this State. The
48 pilot program must commence no later than October 1, 2025. The resolve requires the Maine Office of Community Affairs to submit by June 30,
2027 to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy and utilities matters a report including a summary of the pilot program's outcomes and any recommendations for continuing, expanding or modifying the pilot program. The Maine Office of Community Affairs is required to use existing funds to support the pilot program and may seek additional funding from various sources to support the pilot program's implementation. Financial support may be provided to nonprofit organizations selected to participate in the pilot program for the direct costs of energy coaching, and up to 20% of the financial support may be used for indirect costs associated with energy coaching. The Maine Office of Community Affairs may also provide in-kind support, such as technical assistance and educational materials, to nonprofit organizations selected to participate in the pilot program.