Maine and Vermont have high energy costs and no fossil fuel resources, which have led to the early development of renewable energy, including hydroelectric energy generation. Maine’s renewable energy policies and associated funding have been largely focused on wind energy generation and developing projects while Vermont has chosen instead to focus its renewable energy policies on small-scale energy generation.
This report finds out four main things from renewable energy policies implemented in Maine and Vermont: i) Rural dwellers may be willing to pay a temporary premium price for renewable energy if it will enhance key local businesses, such as dairy firms in Vermont. ii) Renewable energy policy can encourage collaboration across the public sector, research organisations, NGOs and businesses in rural areas for engaging in ambitious projects based on existing strengths. For example, Maine’s DeepCWind project might restore – at least in part – the competitiveness of the shipbuilding sector. iii) Policies supporting renewable energy should be better co-ordinated in order to avoid duplications. iv) Reducing the overall cost of energy should be always a clear target of renewable energy policy.
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