APPROVED CHAPTER
JUNE 11, 2025 67
BY GOVERNOR RESOLVES
STATE OF MAINE
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IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FIVE
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H.P. 1073 - L.D. 1619
Resolve, to Direct the Governor's Energy Office to Solicit Information
Regarding the Creation of a Thermal Energy Networks Program in Maine
Sec. 1. Request for information. Resolved: That the Governor's Energy Office
shall, within existing resources, issue a request for information regarding the creation of a
thermal energy networks program in the State. For the purposes of this resolve, "thermal
energy network" means a system of interconnected piping that circulates thermal transfer
water for the purpose of providing low-emissions heating and cooling to 2 or more
buildings through the use of water source heat pumps at each building connected to the
system. The primary thermal energy source for such a network may include, but is not
limited to, geothermal resources or recovered thermal energy, such as waste heat captured
from buildings or wastewater systems. When issuing the request for information, the office
shall solicit information from stakeholders regarding:
1. Any relevant available research, framework, pilot projects and other information on
the total cost, cost savings and efficiencies realized in thermal energy networks across the
country;
2. The feasibility and applicability of thermal energy networks for residential,
commercial and industrial sectors in the State, which may include information related to:
A. Geophysical considerations;
B. Compatibility with incumbent air source heat pumps and other heating, ventilating
and air-conditioning systems;
C. Permitting and right-of-way considerations;
D. Constraints around geographic density; and
E. Other considerations that demonstrate the total building heating and cooling load
potential of thermal energy networks;
3. Recommended processes for facilitating and encouraging thermal energy networks
pilot projects, including ownership structures and cost recovery mechanisms;
4. Life-cycle costs and benefits of thermal energy networks, including comparisons to
incumbent heating and cooling technologies;
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 5. Potential electric grid impacts, such as smoothing winter and summer peaks and
lowering system costs by avoiding or deferring investments in additional electrical
generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure;
6. The suitability of thermal energy network technology for helping to meet the State's
statutory emissions reduction goals;
7. Labor and workforce needs associated with developing thermal energy networks in
the State, including consideration of job quality, supplying a skilled and ready workforce,
licensing and registered apprenticeship and certified preapprenticeship programs;
8. Funding opportunities and cost recovery mechanisms, including, but not limited to:
A. Leveraging applicable tax credits available under the federal Inflation Reduction
Act of 2022 and other federal assistance;
B. Funding from the New England Heat Pump Accelerator;
C. The Thermal Energy Investment Program established in the Maine Revised Statutes,
Title 35-A, section 10128; and
D. Rebates for heat pumps through the Efficiency Maine Trust; and
9. The role thermal energy networks can play in increasing the affordability of housing,
development and energy.
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Governor's Energy Office shall prepare, in
consultation with the Efficiency Maine Trust and the Public Advocate, a summary report
regarding the information received by the office in accordance with section 1 and, by
January 15, 2026, submit the report to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities
and Technology. The office may develop and include in the report recommendations
regarding the development of a thermal energy networks program in the State. The joint
standing committee may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd
Legislature based on the report.
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