Issuu

Tune-Up Checklist For Uptime. Every Time.

Beckett Solution: This tried and true checklist of maintenance products is ideal for systems using traditional fuels up to B100 and R100.

1. Fuel Additive: Improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions with our next generation fuel oil additive that stabilizes fuel, dissolves sludge, lowers pour point and disperses water all in one, helping to prevent fuel line and oil filter freeze ups.

2. Strainer your system free from debris and contaminants with our strainer kits made with stainless steel mesh and nylon ends that are sonically welded.

3. Filter & Adapter: Maintain clean and efficient fuel flow with our full line of Spin-On filters that are epoxy coated inside UL Listed. Plus our adapter kits easily convert canister filters to convenient spin-on style.

Today’s Need: A step-by-step efficient and effective Tank-toFlame™ tune-up checklist that keeps your customers’ system up and your service call-backs down.

4. Electrode Kit: Ensure optimal burner performance and ignition with this kit. Includes electrodes and necessary hardware along with the coupling and oil line.

4. Nozzle: Routine replacement with our nozzles helps to ensure that the system is operating at peak capacity. Oil burner nozzles get dirty during use, particularly if contaminated fuel is being used so regular maintenance or replacement is necessary. Ours are 100% tested and produced to exacting standards.

MEMA MAG is a quarterly magazine designed to engage and communicate with members with useful, timely, and memberrelated content. MEMA MAG will be published four times a year.

Do you have a suggestion for MEMA MAG? Would you like to ADVERTISE? Contact Meghan Sylvester, Communications & Marketing Specialist at MEMA. Email her at msylvester@ maineenergymarketers.com or call 207-729-5298.

Copyright 2025 Maine Energy Marketers Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from MEMA and/or the publisher. Printed in Maine, USA.

FROM THE DESK OF

MAINE WANTS ENERGY CHOICE

The results are in—and once again, Mainers have made their voices clear. According to the latest Critical Insights survey (see page 18), nearly 9 in 10 Maine residents believe that state government should allow individuals to choose how they heat their homes and businesses. This overwhelming support has remained consistent across multiple polling cycles dating back to 2022, proving what we’ve always known: Mainers value freedom, independence, and common sense.

In addition to strong support for energy choice, this year’s survey revealed the highest-ever positive perception of home heating oil since MEMA began tracking this data three years ago. That tells us that not only do Mainers want the right to choose their heating systems—they trust and rely on the fuels we provide every single day.

Let’s be clear: We don’t want the state or local governments telling us how to heat our homes. That’s why your team at MEMA has been fighting hard in Augusta to advance the Energy Choice Bill L.D. 556—to ensure that right stays with the people (see update on page 16). We sincerely thank you for contacting your legislators and asking them to vote

in favor of L.D. 556. Your voice matters.

On the federal level, Mike Estes and I just returned from Washington, D.C., where we participated in the Energy Marketers of America's Washington Conference and Day on the Hill 2025 (see page 30). While there, we met with Representatives Golden and Pingree, as well as Senators Collins and King. In our meetings, we advocated for the reauthorization of the renewable fuels credit and support for the Credit Competition Act. Most importantly, we urged Senators to back the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn three Biden-era rules that granted Clean Air Act waivers allowing states like California to ban internal combustion engines.

We’re especially grateful to Senator Susan Collins, who voted to repeal those waivers. Thank you, Senator Collins, for standing up for energy freedom and common sense!

A special thank you also goes to Roger Mitchell, Dave Cupka, Rick Kenny, and the Education Committee for their continued efforts to improve MTEC. Thanks to their hard work, enrollment remains strong, and our facility continues to thrive.

Finally, thank you, our dedicated MEMA members. Your support is making a real impact in protecting and promoting the use of liquid fuels across Maine. It was great to connect with so many of you at the Northern New England Energy Conference, held June 23–25 at Mill Falls at the Lake in Meredith, NH. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to continuing the momentum together.

Best, Charlie

MEET OUR TEAM

CHARLIE SUMMERS PRESIDENT

MEGAN DIVER VICE PRESIDENT

HANNAH ESTES BUSINESS MANAGER

DIRECTORS BOARD OF

SARAH NADEAU INSURANCE & OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

MITCHELL MTEC DEAN

CARTER VAILLANCOURT CHAIR OF THE BOARD DAIGLE OIL CO.

CASEY CRAMPTON VICE CHAIR DEAD RIVER CO.

KATIE FOSTER TREASURER RH FOSTER ENERGY

MATT POOLE SECRETARY COLBY & GALE

SAMANTHA MCKINNEY ADMIN ASSISTANT

DAVID CUPKA MTEC INSTRUCTOR

MEGHAN SYLVESTER MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

RICK KENNY MTEC INSTRUCTOR

EXECUTIVE BOARD

MATT POOLE | COLBY & GALE

ROGER ARSENAULT | COMMUNITY ENERGY CO.

ROBERT SHIBLEY | BOB’S CASH FUEL LLC

CARTER VAILLANCOURT | DAIGLE OIL COMPANY

CASEY CRAMTON | DEAD RIVER COMPANY

CHARLIE BURNHAM | DIRECTOR EMERITUS

JEFF WEBB | EASTERN PROPANE & OIL, INC.

MICHAEL ESTES | ESTES OIL & PROPANE

MAX MARSTON | FABIAN OIL

MICHAEL MCCORMACK | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

CARRIE TOMFORDE | IRVING OIL

KATIE FOSTER | RH FOSTER ENERGY, LLC.

TIM HEUTZ | RINALDI ENERGY

ASSOCIATION BOARD

JAMIE ROBINSON | A.E. ROBINSON OIL CO.

DAVID BABCOCK | ADAMS & FOGG OIL EQUIP, CO.

PAM GIORDANO | CETANE ASSOCIATES

PETER BUOTTE | COMMUNITY ENERGY CO. - ALT.

JIM PIKE | ENERGY KINETICS

JUDY DELANEY | GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP.

BRIAN HOLMES | GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP. - ALT.

TOM SCHWARM | GOULD TECHNOLOGIES

MATT HARRISON | GULF OIL, LP

JIM CARROLL | J.P. CARROLL FUEL CO.

KEITH FINLEY | KEITH’S METER SERVICE

CHARON CURTIS | MARITIME ENERGY

STEVE NESS | NESS OIL COMPANY

ROBERT TRACY | RH FOSTER ENERGY, LLC. - ALT.

ELWIN SCOTT | SIMARD & SONS, INC.

KRISTYN SCHWEITZER | SPRAGUE ENERGY

PAULA PALMER | SPRAGUE ENERGY-ALT.

MICHAEL TAMMARO | V.L. TAMMARO OIL

ROGER

W e l c o m e t o t h e t e a m

MEMA WELCOMES SAMANTHA MCKINNEY

In June, MEMA was thrilled to welcome Samantha McKinney as the newest member of our team Stepping

into the role of Administrative Assistant, Samantha brings over 15 years of experience in administration and management, spanning industries from healthcare to childcare

With deep family roots in the heating industry, the scent of propane and heating oil is more than familiar it feels like home Samantha’s warm smile, can-do attitude, and genuine desire to support others have already made her a wonderful addition to our office Whether she's assisting students, helping customers, or keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, she’s always ready to lend a hand We’re so happy to have her on board welcome, Samantha!

LET’S TALK BENEFITS:

OPEN ENROLLMENT SEASON IS ALMOST HERE

We are fast approaching open enrollment for the MEMA Health Insurance Trust. If you are not already participating in MEMA’s health insurance plan, now is a great time to take a look! Rates are being set for the new plan year, and new rates for our self-insured program will be on the way to you in the next couple of weeks.

Our plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs for members and offer great savings on prescriptions and other health care services as well. Many prescription medications are available with $0 co-pays!

Don’t forget to check out our life, vision, and dental plans too!

Also, if you are a current participant in our benefit plans, this is a great time of year to review your options and employee data. Are beneficiaries up to date? Have all eligible employees been offered coverage or enrolled? Are employees educated on the many valuable benefits provided to them?

If you are a new member to MEMA please consider the MEMA health plan as a benefit to your employees. Please call, or email, Sarah at (207) 729-5298 or snadeau@maineenergymarketers.com for more information.

It is not too early to begin the process!

POLICY IN FOCUS: HIGHLIGHTS

THE POWER OF INDUSTRY ADVOCACY

A Recap of the 2025 Northern New England Energy Conference

The 2025 Northern New England Energy Conference kicked off on Monday, June 23, with a lively Welcome Reception alongside our valued vendors. The evening then moved to a Formal Awards Dinner celebrating dedication and excellence in the energy industry.

EMANH opened the awards by recognizing Rob Stenger of Simple Energy Partners as Member of the Year. Meanwhile, David Maloof and Jennifer Good of Clark Insurance were honored as Vendor of the Year. Next, MEMA celebrated longstanding partnerships by honoring Hedge Solutions for 25 years of membership, CITGO for 35 years, Adams and Fogg for 65 years, and Daigle Oil for an impressive 70 years of service.

The evening continued lakeside, where attendees relaxed with drinks and enjoyed a soulful acoustic performance by Quiet Riot Act, rounding out the evening on a high note.

On Tuesday, June 24, the conference continued with a full schedule of high-impact educational sessions, despite the record-breaking heatwave. Steve Piwowarski, Division Administrator for the USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, opened the morning with energy

EVENT

and clarity in his talk on “Federal Requirements for Safe and Secure Transportation of Heating Fuels.” His insights emphasized safety protocols that are vital to our industry’s everyday operations.

Next up, Alexandra Rosen, Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the American Trucking Association, took the stage to break down the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act. Her behindthe-scenes account of navigating policy change on Capitol Hill gave attendees a rare glimpse into the legislative process and the persistence it demands.

In one of the day’s most dynamic sessions, Joe Scully, Executive Director of EMANH, moderated a timely and thought-provoking conversation with Jim Collura (President & CEO of NEFI) and Rob Underwood (President of EMA). Together, they addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the energy sector, including global tariffs, LIHEAP funding cuts, and Energy

Choice, among others.

To close the education portion of the day, Coleman Shear, CFA, and Founder of Apis Point Energy, delivered a sharp and insightful session on fuel purchasing and risk management, equipping attendees with strategies to strengthen profitability amid market volatility.

After an information-packed morning, attendees shifted gears for a scenic two-hour luncheon cruise aboard the historic M/S Mount Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee.

The conference concluded later that evening with the always-popular Vendor Blender, which brought everyone together for cocktails, conversation, and connection before guests ventured out to enjoy Meredith’s fantastic dining scene.

The 2025 Northern New England Energy Conference once again showcased the power of uniting Maine and New Hampshire’s energy communities. As the policy

landscape continues to evolve, the role of industry advocacy becomes increasingly vital. Conferences like this provide an essential platform for staying informed, sharing resources, and amplifying our collective voice. The conversations held here went beyond education—they served as a clear reminder that engagement drives influence, and together, our advocacy fuels progress for the entire energy sector.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s conference a success. We look forward to seeing you next year, from June 15 to 17, at Harborside Ocean Resort in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Gold Sponsors

Apis Point Energy

Reynolds American

Silver Sponsors Altria

Dead River Company

Federated Insurance

Irving Oil

Phillip Morris, Inc.

Sprague Energy

Warm Thoughts Communications

Lanyard Sponsor

H.O. Bouchard

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Advanced Fuel Solutions

Bronze Sponsors

Hedge Solutions NEFI

Advertising Sponsor Fuel Oil News

Star Sponsors

DOMESTIC TANKS

FROM BUDGET BATTLES TO ENERGY WINS: INSIDE MAINE’S HIGH-STAKES LEGISLATIVE SESSION

By Megan Diver

Legislators in Augusta were hoping to complete their work for the session on or around June 18, which was the statutory adjournment date for the First Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature. The statutory deadline did not apply this year, though, as the majority Democrats technically adjourned the legislative session back in March after passing a straight party-line $11.3 billion budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Non-emergency laws (those not receiving 2/3rds votes of approval by the House and Senate) do not take effect until 90 days after the Governor signs them into law, so the March adjournment ensured that the party line budget proposal would be law by the beginning of the State fiscal year on July 1.

Immediately after the "adjournment," Governor Mills called the Legislature back in for a "special" session to complete its work. This previously unusual maneuver has become commonplace under the Mills Administration, which has used this tactic to enact the past three two-year State budgets.

Lawmakers still hoped to wrap up the legislative session on the targeted date.

BUDGET & CIGARETTE TAX

Lawmakers still hoped to wrap up the legislative session on the targeted date. However, many key issues remained to be resolved until the very last days of session, namely a "Part 2" budget proposal to fund shortfalls in the MaineCare budget. Governor Mills has proposed a $1 per pack cigarette tax increase to help offset the deficit within the program, which MEMA opposed aggressively and worked

with a coalition of partners within the association, as well as retailers and other tobacco interests, who all lobbied against the $80 million tax increase and have coordinated grassroots and advertising campaigns. As expected, this was one of the last items the Legislature dealt with. Unfortunately, the Appropriations Committee recommended a $1.50 tax on tobacco products, which Republicans opposed, but in the end, the opposition wasn't enough to stop

Every late night, every conversation, every call—it all made the difference. We protected Energy Choice." "

the majority party from passing the budget.

ENERGY CHOICE

MEMA's priority this session was L.D. 556, "An Act to Preserve Heating and Energy Choice by Prohibiting a Municipality from Prohibiting a Particular Energy System or Energy Distributor". This bill, sponsored by Senator Matt Harrington (R-Sanford), received bipartisan support from the State and Local Government Committee and was tabled in the Senate for several weeks without any legislative action. MEMA engaged with our member companies, enlisted social media campaigns, produced handouts for legislators, and utilized earned media, such as radio appearances and op-eds, to make our case for Energy Choice. Votes in the

Senate and House were close and took place over several weeks. Each vote was a nail-biter, but WE DID IT! The hard work, the conversations, the late nights, and the effort from each and every one of MEMA's member companies made the difference! (see more on page 16).

SUNFLOWER BIOFUEL STUDY

Senator Trey Stewart (R-Presque Isle) filed legislation on MEMA's behalf that would study the feasibility of biofuels produced from sunflowers. L.D. 1297, "Resolve, to Establish the Committee to Study the Use of Sunflower Crops to Produce Biofuels," pulls together stakeholders from our association, the potato industry, the university, and others to investigate this important issue. After initial votes of approval, the bill was placed on the Legislature's Special Study Table. This bill was carried over until the next legislative session, beginning in January 2026.

LIHEAP PROGRAM

MEMA continues to have conversations with legislators on ways to improve the current LIHEAP program for vendors. MEMA will convene a working group over the summer between members, legislators, and the Maine State Housing Authority. Additionally, the Government Oversight Committee is currently looking into the LIHEAP program and will continue to meet throughout the summer. MEMA will remain engaged through this process. MEMA will be engaging members on this issue to create a subcommittee, and we will be looking to engage company participants to create recommendations and potential

legislation for the next legislative session.

L.D. 1507, "Act to Require General Public Notification of Oil Terminal Facility Transfer Activities," sponsored by Representative Matthew Beck (D-South Portland), had a lengthy public hearing at which MEMA and many MEMA members testified in opposition. This bill has been carried over into the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature. MEMA has been working with our terminal members, the Portland Regional Chamber, and others on this issue since the Fall of 2024 and will continue to do so until a resolution is found.

L.D. 1870, "An Act to Establish a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to Impose Penalties on Climate Polluters." Sponsored by Senator Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland), this bill would establish the Maine Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program, creating a mechanism for certain fossil fuel companies to pay for climate change adaptation projects. Specifically, entities involved in extracting fossil fuels or refining crude oil between 1995 and 2024 would be assessed a cost recovery demand if they are responsible for more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. MEMA opposed this legislation, as well as a similar piece

CUSTOM TANK TRAILERS

of legislation. The committee voted to kill one of the bills, but has carried over L.D. 1870 until the Second Session in 2026.

MEMA has been engaged in several other legislative bills this session. For a complete listing of bills that MEMA is tracking, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Diver at mdiver@maineenergymarketers.com

Megan Diver is the Vice President of the Maine Energy Marketers Association

er Choice

After a narrow vote and strong industry advocacy, Mainers will retain the right to choose how they heat their homes and power their vehicles.

After weeks of uncertainty, the Energy Choice bill (LD 556) has officially become law in Maine.

Initially tabled in the Senate, the bill was brought to a vote on June 16 but fell short by just one vote. The following day, it moved to the House, where it passed narrowly, 81–76, and returned to the Senate for reconsideration. On June 25, the Senate voted in favor, 18–14, sending the bill to Governor Janet Mills’ desk. Despite pressure from environmental special interest groups urging a veto, Governor Mills signed LD 556 into law on July 1.

This is a major victory for Energy Choice in Maine—and for our industry.

MEMA and its members mobilized quickly, and your efforts made a real impact. Every phone call, email, letter, and personal conversation helped push this bill across the finish line.

We did it—together.

Thanks to you, Mainers will continue to have the freedom to choose how they heat their homes and businesses and what vehicles they drive. This is a win worth celebrating.Thank you for your unwavering support, and thank you Governor Mills for protecting our industry and the people of Maine’s right to choose what works for them in their home.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ENERGY CHOICE CHAMPIONS!

IT’S AMAZING WHAT DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS CAN DO WHEN THEY WORK TOGETHER!

BILL SPONSOR: Senator Matt Harrington (R-York)

SENATE DISTRICT 33: In York County: Alfred; Lebanon; Sanford; and Waterboro.

“As the sponsor of energy choice in 2023 and in 2025, I am proud that we were able to safeguard individual choice so that Mainers can continue to do what makes sense for them economically and environmentally.”

LEAD DEMOCRAT CO-SPONSOR: Senator Joe Baldacci (D-Penobscot)

SENATE DISTRICT 9: In Penobscot County: Bangor and Hermon.

“I believe Maine needs to continue to adopt an “all of the above approach” as it relates to energy policy to make sure home and business heating is affordable for the future. I am proud that the Legislature was able to accomplish a bipartisan strategy relating to energy policy this session.”

BERN STEIN S H U R

Did

(From left to right) Senator Matt Harrington, Charlie Summers, Maine Energy Marketers Association, and Senator Joe Baldacci at an Energy Choice press conference in Portland, Maine on October 3, 2024.

We couldn’t have done it without the bipartisan support of both the Senate and the House. If you see these legislators, please be sure to thank them for supporting our industry and our neighbors.

Senator Rick Bennett – District 18 (Oxford County)

Senator Sue Bernard – District 1 (Aroostook County)

Senator Bruce Bickford – District 20 (Androscoggin County)

Senator Russell Black – District 5 (Franklin County)

Senator Richard Bradstreet – District 15 (Kennebec County)

Senator Scott Cyrway – District 16 (Kennebec County)

Senator Brad Farrin – District 3 (Somerset County)

Senator Stacey Guerin – District 4 (Penobscot County)

Senator David Haggan – District 10 (Penobscot County)

Senator Craig Hickman – District 14 (Kennebec County)

Senator Jim Libby – District 22 (Cumberland County)

Senator Joe Martin – District 19 (Oxford County)

Senator Marianne Moore – District 6 (Washington County)

Senator Tim Nangle – District 26 (Cumberland County)

Senator Jeff Timberlake – District 17 (Androscoggin County)

Representative Jeff Adams – District 144 (Lebanon)

Representative Roger Albert – District 2 (Madawaska)

Representative Amy Arata – District 104 (New Gloucester)

Representative Donald Ardell – District 6 (Monticello)

Representative Mark Babin – District 3 (Fort Fairfield)

Representative Barbara Bagshaw – District 106 (Windham)

Representative Steven Bishop – District 17 (Bucksport)

Representative Mark Blier – District 138 (Buxton)

Representative David Boyer – District 87 (Poland)

Representative Richard Campbell – 19 District (Orrington)

Representative Nathan Carlow – District 137 (Buxton)

KEY SUPPORTERS

Senator Trey Stewart

Senate District 2

Aroostook County

Representative Elizabeth Caruso – District 72 (Caratunk)

Representative Quentin Chapman – District 88 (Auburn)

Representative Marygrace Cimino – District 83 (Bridgton)

Representative Amanda Collamore – District 68 (Pittsfield)

Representative Alicia Collins – District 61 (Sidney)

Representative Mark Cooper – District 107 (Windham)

Representative Lydia Crafts – District 46 (Newcastle)

Representative Dean Cray – District 69 (Palmyra)

Representative Lucien Daigle – District 1 (Fort Kent)

Representative James Dill – District 26 (Old Town)

Representative Gary Drinkwater – District 27 (Milford)

Representative Jack Ducharme – District 71 (Madison)

Representative John Eder – District 136 (Waterboro)

Representative Billy Bob Faulkingham – District 12 (Winter Harbor)

Representative Paul Flynn – District 62 (Albion)

Representative Robert Foley – District 145 (Wells)

Representative Steven Foster – District 32 (Dexter)

Representative Ann Fredericks – District 143 (Sanford)

Representative Ken Fredette – District 33 (Newport)

Representative Irene Gifford – District 28 (Lincoln)

Representative Cheryl Golek – District 99 (Harpswell)

Representative Tim Guerrette – District 4 (Caribou)

Representative Kimberly Haggan – District 36 (Hampden)

Representative Randall Hall – District 74 (Wilton)

Representative Tavis Hasenfus – District 57 (Readfield)

Representative Rachel Henderson – District 78 (Rumford)

Representative Alliston Hepler – District 49 (Woolwich)

Representative Benjamin Hymes – District 38 (Waldo)

Representative Caldwell Jackson – District 80 (Oxford)

Representative Kathy Javner – District 29 (Chester)

Representative Michael Lance – District 79 (Paris)

Representative Lucas Lanigan – District 141 (Sanford)

Representative Thomas Lavigne – District 148 (Berwick)

Representative Adam Lee – District 89 (Auburn)

Representative Michael Lemelin – District 52 (Chelsea)

Representative Randall Greenwood

House District 56

Wales/Litchfield/ Monmouth

Representative Laurel Libby – District 90 (Auburn)

Representative Sheila Lyman – District 76 (Livermore Falls)

Representative Rick Mason – District 97 (Lisbon)

Representative David McIntyre – District 18 (Lowell)

Representative Arthur Mingo – District 9 (Calais)

Representative Joshua Morris – District 91 (Turner)

Representative Bob Nutting – District 66 (Oakland)

Representative Rolf Olsen – District 86 (Raymond)

Representative Wayne Parry – District 140 (Arundel)

Representative Reagan Paul – District 37 (Winterport)

Representative Chad Perkins – District 31 (DoverFoxcroft)

Representative Jennifer Poirier – District 70 (Skowhegan)

Representative Kimberly – District 85 (Standish)

Representative Tracy Quint – District 8 (Hodgdon)

Representative Shelley Rudnicki – District 67 (Fairfield)

Representative Holly Sargent – District 147 (York)

Representative Tammy Schmersal-Burgess – District 77 (Mexico)

Representative Abden Simmons – District 45 (Waldoboro)

Representative Katrina Smith – District 62 (Palermo)

Representative Mike Soboleski – District 73 (Phillips)

Representative Tiffany Strout – District 11 (Harrington)

Representative Greg Swallow – District 7 (Houlton)

Representative James Thorne – District 35 (Carmel)

Representative William Tuell – District 10 (East Machias)

Representative Joe Underwood – District 5 (Presque Isle)

Representative Nathan Wadsworth – District 82 (Hiram)

Representative Mark Walker – District 84 (Naples)

Representative James White – District 30 (Guilford)

Representative Russell White – District 13 (Ellsworth)

Representative Peter Wood – District 81 (Norway)

Representative Stephen Wood – District 92 (Greene)

Representative Dave Woodsome – District 139 (Waterboro)

A Summary of Results of Proprietary Polling Findings

BY DIGITAL RESEARCH INC.

CRITICAL INSIGHTS ON MAINE

Each spring and fall, Digital Research, Inc. conducts the Critical Insights on Maine tracking survey, a comprehensive, statewide public opinion poll of registered voters that covers a variety of topics of interest to business leaders, policymakers, and the public at large.

Critical Insights on Maine has been documenting the attitudes, perceptions, and preferences of Maine's residents for more than 25 years, making it the longest-running, consistently-administered tracking survey in the Northeast. In addition to general interest items (the results of which are released to the public via information provided to local and regional media outlets), the survey also serves as a vehicle for interested parties to include proprietary questions in the poll, the results of which are provided only to the sponsoring entities.

This report presents the results of proprietary questions included in the poll on behalf of the Maine Energy Marketers Association that were integrated into the current polling instrument.

The current round of the poll included a total of 600 participants across the state who were surveyed by phone (298 study participants) or online (302 respondents) in the Spring of 2025 (March 11th to April 3rd).

• All survey participants were required to be registered voters in Maine.

• Final data reflect the demographic makeup of Maine's voting population and were statistically weighted to appropriately balance results by gender, age, level of education, geographic region of residence, and voter registration profile (see Sample Profile below).

• With a total sample of 600 participants, the results presented here have an associated sampling error of +/- 4.0 percentage points at a 95% level of confidence.

The survey took the average participant less than 18 minutes to complete–including both general-interest questions as well as proprietary items included by sponsoring entities like the Maine Energy Marketers Association.

SAMPLE PROFILE

As noted, data in this report have been weighted to appropriately balance the sample make-up according to gender, age, level of education, geographic region of residence, and voter registration profile to reflect the state's voting population.

*Includes Green Independent, Libertarian, No Labels, or some other party not listed.

Party affiliation data are shown above for the total sample; some variation is seen by Congressional District, in accordance with current registration information made available by the Office of the Secretary of State.

PROPRIETARY STUDY

Overall, what is your opinion of the following home heating fuels?

Awareness and favorability numbers for the tested heating fuels show significant variance across different sources. In the current measurement, awareness and favorability proportions are most robust for wood heat and for home heating oil, followed by heat pumps and propane gas, respectively. Awareness is moderate, but perceptions are a bit more polarized for natural gas and–especially–for electric baseboard, where more of those polled view the source negatively than view it positively. Awareness is more limited for both geothermal and biofuels, though reaction to these heating sources among those aware and offering a rating is generally favorable.

Among the measured home heating sources that are consistently rated favorably by larger proportions of poll participants, wood products have consistently topped the hierarchy of tested fuels.

Over time, roughly eight-in-ten Maine voters polled have consistently indicated a favorable impression of wood as a home heating fuel source, especially self-reported GOP voters.

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF WOOD PRODUCTS?

Very Positive

Somewhat Positive

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS?

Very Positive

Somewhat Positive

Through the Fall of 2024, opinions on electric heat pumps had generally trended favorably since 2022 before dipping in the current measurement; views continue to be especially favorable for heat pumps among younger voters and self-reported Democrats.

OPINION OF HOME HEATING OIL?

OF PROPANE GAS?

Opinions have been reasonably stable concerning natural gas, but favorability numbers for home heating oil and propane have fluctuated a bit over time, potentially as a result of pricing changes. With these shifts, perspectives on heating oil are now the most positive seen to date. Of all tested fuels, oil is the only one to show improvement in perception relative to Fall 2024 findings. Generally, views on heating oil have tended to be more favorable among Republican voters. The heating fuel options that garner lesser proportions of explicitly favorable views continue to include the lower familiarity options and the less favorably-regarded electric baseboard heat.

While awareness has been lower overall, more than four-in-ten voters polled had consistently offered positive views on biofuels through 2024, with a similar proportion responding in kind about geothermal energy. While each fuel was generally trending more favorably in terms of stated perceptions over time, the Spring 2025 polling cycle shows declines for both in the proportion of positive ratings, albeit directionally so.

Opinions of each fuel continue to be significantly more favorable among men and, in the case of geothermal, self-reported Democrats. Opinions have generally been more modest and consistent over time concerning electric baseboard heat, with the current results showing close to the lowest recorded proportion of favorable responses.

Among only those who know enough to rate a tested heating fuel, meaning those who selected "Not sure/Unable to rate/Never heard of" for a given fuel were removed from the analysis, options like wood, heat pumps, and geothermal continue to be viewed similarly in terms of favorability.