AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Maine's small but growing energy conservation industry says it has been a bright spot in the state's economy, creating jobs and millions of dollars in business. Those same businesses are big supporters of the state's new Uniform Building and Energy Code (UBEC), which was passed three years ago. But now the Legislature is being asked to repeal the code, and the energy businesses say they're worried.
The UBEC sets standards for how homes and commercial buildings are built, from structural strength to ventilation, foundations and even the size of aggress windows. It also includes tough standards for energy conservation. As of next year all new homes built in Maine will be expected to follow the code. But this week the Legislature will consider a number of changes to the Code-including a proposal to eliminate it completely.
Rep. Lance Harvell of Farmington says he has heard a lot of complaints about the UBEC, and has some of his own. He says it will add considerably to the cost of new homes. He also argues that it interferes with the rights of homeowners and private property owners to build what they want.
Supporters of the code, including members of the Maine Association of Building Efficiency professionals, say the cost complaints are exaggerated. They say the code will add an average of $2,000 to $6,000 to the price of a new home, depending upon the size of the building. But they say homeowners will quickly make up that cost through annual energy savings, and then continue to reap the savings for the life of the building.
Rep. Harvell says he doesn't really want to eliminate the code, but does want changes -- maybe including a local "opt-in option". Code supporters say they, too see the need for some changes, but don't want to lose the core piece of the code.
NEWS CENTER