ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP, & EDUCATION FOR MAINE’S ENERGY MARKETERS
2024 ELECTION RUNDOWN
MTEC'S NEW ADVANCED TRAINING COURSES ON PAGE 24 +
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.
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 2024 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
What an election season it was! At the top of the ticket, President Trump was reelected with a clear mandate to change Washington. His nominees to head agencies and departments that are critical to the liquid fuel industry, former CEO of Liberty Energy Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to serve as Secretary of the Interior and chairman of the newly formed National Energy Council, reflect his commitment to energy independence. Both individuals have a keen appreciation of the critical role fossil fuels have played, and will continue to play far into the future, in our national security and economy. They will work on behalf of the President with the incoming Congress to ensure a safe and prosperous future for America by leveraging all sources of energy at home and abroad. Here in Maine, the political landscape may look familiar, but the dynamics have changed. In the House of Representatives, Republicans added 6 members, narrowing the Democrat majority to just 75 seats, with 1 seat an Independent and 1 currently vacant. In the Senate, the Republicans now have 15 members to the Democrats' 20. The close division in both chambers, combined with the upcoming 2026 election of a new Governor, and the fact that President Trump once again won a clear majority in Maine's Second Congressional District, sets the stage for a lot of posturing and, most likely, a little more
balanced approach to state policy. While all this change is positive, it doesn't mean that we can take our eyes off the ball in Augusta or Washington. Your MEMA team is continuing to lean forward to effectively represent the interests of Maine's liquid fuel industry and our citizens who rely on the safe, effective, and environmentally sound product we provide each and every day. Here's to what will undoubtedly be an interesting and challenging 2025! On behalf of everyone at MEMA and MTEC, we wish you a happy holiday season and fantastic New Year!
Best, Charlie
MEET OUR TEAM
CHARLIE SUMMERS PRESIDENT MEGAN DIVER VICE PRESIDENT
HANNAH ESTES BUSINESS MANAGER
DIRECTORS BOARD OF
SARAH NADEAU
INSURANCE & OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
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
COLLEEN EGE 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.
CARTER VAILLANCOURT | DAIGLE OIL COMPANY
CASEY CRAMTON | DEAD RIVER COMPANY
CHARLIE BURNHAM | DIRECTOR EMERITUS
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
MARK ST.GERMAIN | ST.GERMAIN
ASSOCIATION BOARD
JAMIE ROBINSON | A.E. ROBINSON OIL CO.
DAVID BABCOCK | ADAMS & FOGG OIL EQUIP, CO.
ROBERT SHIBLEY | BOB’S CASH FUEL LLC
PAM GIORDANO | CETANE ASSOCIATES
PETER BUOTTE | COMMUNITY ENERGY CO. - ALT.
JEFF WEBB | EASTERN PROPANE & OIL, INC.
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.
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 MITCHELL MTEC DEAN
NEW MEMBERS
Please join MEMA in welcoming our newest members. Our members are the backbone of our association. The education services, programs, and events we provide are successful based on the solid support we recieve from both associate members and members. To learn more about MEMA membership or to become a member, visit maineenergymarketers.com/membership
Provides exceptional heating and plumbing services throughout southern Maine, and specializes in installation and repair of all heat pumps, oil and gas fired heating equipment.
(207) 835-0360 (207) 310-3908 (978) 750-9876
Homans Associates is the premier distributor of HVAC Equipment, Supplies and Mechanical Insulation products in the Northeast. We've been serving the contractor community since 1952 with 24 locations across all of New England.
631-3397
A full service residential heating and air conditioning company, providing reliable and quality HVAC service in Penobscot County.
An American international tobacco company that has manufactured products since 1861 and ships more than two billion cigars a year to more than 70 countries.
A technically oriented, family owned company operating on an international basis that develops, produces and markets innovative measuring, inspection and cleaning equipment for building services.
Over the past 40 years, Valley Home Heating has been commited to providing the highest quality services, delivering the best heating oil, and sticking to our promises to keep your home heated and safe.
SAFETY PAYS LITERALLY
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES 2025-2026
HEATING FUELS LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Eastern Propane
Jeff Webb
St.Germain
Erin Pike / Mark St.Germain
Dead River
Casey Crampton
Clean Fuels Alliance America
Stephen Dodge
Waltz & Sons Propane
Sue Waltz
Fabian Oil
Max Marston
Community Energy Co
Peter Buotte
Global Orion Breen
PGANE Gary Haines
Tounge Associates
JT Tounge
MOTOR FUELS AND C STORE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Daigle Oil
Chair
Carter Vaillancourt
St.Germain
Erin Pike / Mark St.Germain
Altria
Jonathan Shaer
Reynolds
Kyle May
Clean Fuels Alliance America
Stephen Dodge
Global Orion Breen
PGANE Gary Haines
Tounge Associates
JT Tounge
If you would like to join one or both of MEMA’s Legislative Committee’s please contact Megan Diver at mdiver@maineenergymarketers.com
TO YOUR
AUGUSTA STOREFRONT: FROM
Legislative Changes and Their Impact
BY KYLE MAY
The 2024 elections are now behind us, setting the stage for the 2025 legislative session in Augusta. Nationwide and in Maine, Republicans fared well, picking up multiple seats in the Maine House of Representatives and Senate. They also maintained control of the United States House of Representatives, gained the United States Senate, and won the Presidency, creating a fundamental shift for federal policymakers.
Many small businesses are eager to see what these changes mean for their day-to-day operational challenges. One segment under continuous pressure is the tobacco and nicotine category, which represents nearly one-third of inside sales for the average convenience store. Unfortunately, there are no crystal balls to foresee exactly what will happen.
What we do know is that Maine has introduced a tobacco flavor ban every year since 2021. Fortunately, that bill has stalled in one form or another each year. It is likely a legislator will introduce similar legislation in 2025. However,
the collective voice of small businesses from Presque Isle to Portland has been critical in highlighting the economic impact such a bill would have.
Unfortunately, localities continue to advance flavor bans, ignoring the inevitable nature of cross-border purchases. Bangor, Bar Harbor, Brunswick, Falmouth, Hallowell, Portland, and South Portland have each enacted bans on the sale of flavored tobacco products. We must remain vigilant in other localities to prevent the spread of these local flavor bans.
Another issue of concern is the possibility of an increased excise tax on the sale of tobacco products at the state level. Over the past few years, we’ve seen states like New York and Maryland raise the excise tax on cigarettes to $5.00 per pack or more. It has been proven time and time again that cigarette taxes are an unstable revenue stream and impact lowerincome communities the hardest. Additionally, they encourage cross-border purchases, which entirely removes revenue from one state and gives it to another, ultimately creating a system
"To defeat negative proposals out of Augusta...it is critical that convenience store owners make their voices heard. If legislators do not hear from local business owners like yourselves, they will never understand the true impact of these proposals."
of winners and losers for both the state and locally owned small businesses.
We remain optimistic that the state of Maine will instead focus its efforts on the growing problem of illicit vapor products. A recent Truth Initiative study found that more than 86% of e-cigarettes on the market are illegal products under federal law. The proliferation of such a large illicit market harms law-abiding retailers, like MEMA members, and must be addressed.
To defeat negative proposals out of Augusta or advance thoughtful policy like a crackdown on illicit vapor, it is critical that convenience store owners make their voices heard. Antitobacco lobbyists, funded from D.C. by activist billionaires, have nearly bottomless pockets and work every day to downplay the impact these proposals will have on your business. If legislators do not hear from local business owners like yourselves, they will never understand the true impact of these proposals. Whether you are a convenience store owner, fuel supplier, or in any way involved in the convenience store industry, we must understand that our legislative issues are intertwined. A
reduction in in-store sales driven by negative tobacco policy reduces business income, making it more difficult to invest in forecourt development and vice versa. Our collective voice is loud and one that legislators want to hear. When we work together, I am confident that the best days for the convenience gas industry are still ahead of us.
Kyle May is the Director of External Relations for Reynolds American Inc..
MEMA thanks the following for their contributions in 2024:
PETROLEUM - $5,000
Eastern Propane Gas, Inc.
Phillip Morris, Inc.
Dead River Company
PLATINUM - $2,500
Bob’s Cash Fuel, LLC
Colby & Gale
Eastern Propane & Oil
GOLD - $1,000
Tulsa
Daigle Oil Co.
Bangor Pipe & Supply Co.
Atlantic Heating Co, Inc.
Estes Oil & Propane
Waltz & Sons
Portland Pipe Line
SILVER - $500
Waldo County Oil
A.E. Robinson
J. Palmer & Sons Plumbing & Heating
Ness Oil Company
Garrett Pillsbury Plumbing & Heating
Portland Pipe Line
BRONZE - $250
Consumers Fuel Company
ENERGY PAC FOR MAINE
Whether it be Maine legislators or members of Congress, government intrusion into every aspect of our personal, business, and work lives is no longer a worry—it’s a fact. This, coupled with out-ofcontrol tax and spending policies and unprecedented efforts to eliminate the liquid fuels industry—i.e., your business— means that we can no longer remain on the sidelines or simply “sit this one out”—that luxury no longer exists. Our industry can deliver the cleanest, most cost-effective, and energy-secure solution for Maine's future, but electrification proponents want to put us all out of business today. To stop them, we will need every tool in our toolkit: advocacy, communications, education, and more. Help MEMA bridge the gap by making a generous contribution now. PAC funds assist MEMA in threats that aim to legislate liquid heating fuels and propane out of business.
Dues alone are insufficient to meet these enormous challenges. We therefore urge your business to consider a generous contribution to the 2024 advocacy fund. Your support helps us:
• Advance legislative policies in Maine that preserve and protect our energy security and reliability.
• Combat efforts to "electrify everything" without consideration of the costs and consequences.
• Promote weatherization, efficiency, and renewable liquid fuels like bioheat and renewable propane.
• Defend against burdensome regulations on HazMat transportation and keep CDL drivers on the road.
Soon, we will see candidates prepare for the 2024 General Election. It is crucial to our industry that we elect members of the legislature that support you and your business.
We ask you for a 2024 contribution to MEMA’s ENERGY PAC for Maine.
Silver: $500
Gold: $1,000
Platinum: $2,500
Petroleum: $5,000
Other: $________
WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE:
If contributing by card, please call MEMA at 207-729-5298.
If writing a check, please make it payable to:
ENERGY PAC for Maine
25 Greenwood Road Brunswick, ME 04011
Together, we are making a difference. Thank you for your consideration… your support is needed now more than ever. With your active support over the next year, we will actively engage in a sustaining future for the liquid fuels industry and Maine.
C alendar of Events
FUEL YOUR LOVE
February 14
TBA,
NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND ENERGY CONFERENCE
June 23-25, Mill Falls at the Lake, Meredith, NH
October 2, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Boothbay, ME
LIHEAP
$3.7 BILLION IN FUNDING RELEASED TO LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE SUPPORT
Federal Funds Aim to Help Families Stay Warm This Winter Through State Fuel Assistance Programs
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance (DEA) announced the release of $3.7 billion of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding. This announcement includes approximately $3.6 billion of federal Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) regular block grant funding to state fuel assistance programs. This funding is provided under the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which President Biden signed into law on September 26, 2024. This funding also includes an additional $100.108 million for FY25. One hundred million of these funds became available through the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Appropriations Act (IIJA), (Public Law 117-58) and the remaining $108,197 became available from unobligated FY23 IIJA funds that were returned to HHS for redistribution.
OCS released 90% of the funding available under the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, a Continuing Resolution (CR) and 100% of the funding available under the IIJA to each state program with an approved FY25 LIHEAP plan. The funding was allocated utilizing the annual updates to the LIHEAP allocation formula. Additional information on funding for states and territories can be found here and on the OCS website.
2024 ELECTIONS RECAP
Here’s how Maine voted and what it means for the future.
BY MEGAN DIVER
The 2024 Presidential election is now behind us. The 2024 United States presidential election in Maine was part of the 2024 United States elections in which all 50 states plus the District of Columbia participated. Maine voters chose electors to represent them in the Electoral College via a popular vote. The State of Maine has four electoral votes in the Electoral College, following reapportionment due to the 2020 United States census in which the State neither gained nor lost a seat.
Unlike all other states except Nebraska, Maine awards two electoral votes based on the statewide vote and one vote for each congressional district. The at-large votes were expected to be contested by both parties but are typically favored to be carried by the Democratic presidential candidate, having last been won by a Republican in 1988. However, the two congressional districts were split between the Democratic and Republican candidates.
On July 21, 2024, Joe Biden, the incumbent president of the United States, announced his withdrawal from
the 2024 United States presidential election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement. Kamala Harris launched her 2024 presidential campaign on the same day. The announcement came after President Biden had been criticized about his competency by members of his own party. The announcement wasn’t unexpected, but it put the Presidential race in the spotlight early on. President Biden’s term ends at noon on January 20, 2025.
Former President Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential elections and a second term in the White House. As of 12 PM on Wednesday, November 6, Donald Trump had received 277 electoral votes, and Kamala Harris had received 224. Two hundred seventy electoral votes are needed to declare presidency. In Maine, Vice President Kamala Harris won 51.1% of the total vote in the State, receiving three of the State’s four electoral votes, with former President Donald Trump receiving the remaining one (Trump won 53.4% in CD 2).
UNITED STATES SENATE
Independent incumbent U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) defeated Republican challenger Demi Kouzounas with 52.3% of the vote, narrowly avoiding ranked-choice voting tabulation.
Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) will finish her term in 2026 and has stated that she is seeking reelection.
U.S. HOUSE
Democratic incumbent Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) defeated Republican challenger Ronald C. Russel with 59.1% of the vote in the race for Maine’s First Congressional District.
Democratic incumbent Jared Golden (D-ME-2) was declared the winner of Maine’s 2nd Congressional District race following a rankedchoice runoff for the seat. Golden entered the runoff with a 2,159-vote lead over Republican Austin Theriault based on the initial count from the November 5 election. His lead over Theriault expanded to 2,706 votes after the ranked-choice tabulation, which factored in the second-choice preferences of voters who either wrote another name on their ballots or left the first-choice oval blank.
Golden received 197,151 votes in the final tabulation compared to 194,445 for Theriault. Three of Golden’s four victories have been decided by ranked-choice runoffs. Republican challenger Austin Theriault requested a hand recount, meaning the official results likely won’t be known until mid-December.
MAINE STATE SENATE
Democrats have 20 seats, and Republicans have 15. Before the election, Democrats held a 22-12 majority; Republicans were able to pick up seats in this election.
MAINE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Seventy-six seats are needed for the Majority. Democrats maintain control of the House. Democrats are expected to have 77 seats, while Republicans have 72, and Independents have 2 seats in the House. Official election results are not yet available due to 11 recounts.
Before this election, Democrats held 79 seats, and Republicans had 67. Four years ago, the Democrats had 90 seats.
Eleven races for the Maine Legislature were requested to be recounted.
Maine law does not require recounts, but candidates can request one. Candidates do not have to pay a deposit if the races are close—1% or less of the apparent margin of victory.
Of the recounts requested, two were for state Senate races—Senate districts 8 and 15—and nine were for Maine House of Representative races: House districts 96, 98, 81, 58, 75, 52,
44, 142, and 141.
Several of the races were very close, with the closest winning by only one vote.
REFERENDUMS
This election coincided with five referendum questions, including a referendum on the state flag,
QUESTION 1: An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures, Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?
Maine people voted in favor of Question 1, with 73% in favor and 27% opposed.
QUESTION 2: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization, Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds to be awarded through a competitive process and to leverage
matching private and federal funds on at least a one-to-one basis, for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in the targeted sectors of life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing?
Maine people voted in favor of Question 2, with 54.6% of the vote in favor and 45.4% opposed.
QUESTION 3: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Restore Historic Community Buildings, Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources?
Maine people voted in favor of Question 3, with 51.4% of the vote in favor and 48.6% opposed.
QUESTION 4: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote
the Design, Development, and Maintenance of Trails for Outdoor Recreation and Active Transportation, Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development, and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multiuse trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?
Maine people voted in favor of Question 4, with 55% in favor and 45% opposed.
QUESTION 5: An Act to Restore the Former State of Maine Flag, Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?
Maine people voted against Question 5, with 55.3% of the vote opposed and 44.7% in favor.
Megan Diver is the Vice President of the Maine Energy Marketing Association
Core Classes
2025 COURSES
Member:
Classes (Continued)
Member: $450
Non-Member:
Member: $350
Non-Member: $500
Member:
Member:
Member:
Grow Your Career with our New, Advanced HVAC Courses
MEMA Technical Education Center is thrilled to introduce our NEW advanced training courses for 2025! Whether looking to master heat pump service procedures, sharpen your expertise in airflow calculations and duct design, or dive into specialized topics like dual-fuel systems and hydronic controls, our hands-on HVAC-R training has you covered.
The following workshops and certificationprep courses are designed for industry professionals, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to stay ahead in this ever-evolving field. Check out our exciting lineup of courses tailored to meet the demands of today’s HVAC professionals.
Keep reading to learn more about our new course offerings!
A/C
+ HEAT PUMPS
HEAT PUMP SERVICE PROCEDURES
Heat Pump Service Procedures is a two-day advanced workshop designed for experienced mini-split heat pump (MSHP) installers who want to expand their skills in servicing and repairing all MSHP brands. With the growing demand for MSHP maintenance, this course focuses on diagnosing issues, performing repairs, and conducting proper cleaning and mold removal. Participants will engage in hands-on lab work, troubleshooting live equipment using AC Service Tech training materials, videos, and workbooks. This is not an entry-level course. Technicians should have a solid understanding of the Installation and Operation of MSHP before attending this class.
This is a non brand specific training using materials from AC service tech. Each student will receive a training manual and workbook. Please bring your own small hand tools for the lab assignments.
AIRFLOW CALCULATIONS, DUCT SIZING, AND DESIGN
Airflow Calculations, Duct Sizing, and Design is a one-day workshop tailored to meet the evolving rebate requirements for whole-home heat pump installations. Learn how ducted systems can satisfy these standards while gaining practical skills to convert BTUs to CFM and accurately size supply and return air ducts. The course also covers dual-fuel and multizone systems, emphasizing effective
return air strategies. Each participant will receive the ACCA Manual D duct design guide, a valuable resource for use during and after the class. Perfect for professionals looking to stay ahead in the industry!
DUAL FUEL WITH HEAT PUMPS AND FOSSIL FUELS
Dual Fuel Systems with Heat
Pumps and Fossil Fuels is a twoday workshop focused on designing and implementing whole-house heat pump systems that meet updated rebate requirements. Explore the integration of electric heat pumps with gas or oil-fired furnaces for dualfuel systems controlled by a single thermostat. The course covers multizone options with dampers, ductwork strategies, system design and layout, and effective control methods. Gain hands-on insights with installation guidelines from top manufacturers, including Bosch, General Electric, and York. Stay ahead in the industry by mastering this efficient and versatile heating solution!
PROPANE + NATURAL GAS
FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT TRAINING
Food Service Equipment Training is a 4-day hands-on workshop focused on repairing gas and electric major appliances, as well as ventilation and gas distribution systems for small to medium-sized kitchen equipment. Participants will work on charbroilers, fryolators, griddles, pizza ovens, and cooktops, gaining practical skills to tackle real-world challenges.
Prerequisite: Completion of the Appliance Connection and Service course is required.
PUMPS, LIQUID PIPING, VAPORIZERS, AND METERS
This two-day hands-on course immerses students in MTEC’s stateof-the-art Liquid Propane training lab, featuring an operational vaporizer, pump set, meter, and bulk plant piping system. Learn to install and service pumps, vaporizers, and liquid meters while mastering flaring burner setup and operation. The course, built on PERC materials, includes practical training on liquid propane piping, system startup, and troubleshooting. Students will also review NFPA codes and requirements for bulk plants and dispensers to ensure compliance. Perfect for those looking to enhance their skills in liquid propane systems!
ELECTRICAL
LOW VOLTAGE WIRING AND WIFI THERMOSTATS
In this one-day course, master the essentials of low voltage wiring and Wi-Fi thermostat integration. Learn when and how to use a common wire, adapt circuits, identify controls compatible with powered thermostats, and add power sources for Wi-Fi thermostats. The course also covers thermostat installation, setup, and cycle rate optimization, ensuring seamless integration with system transformers and relays. Perfect for technicians looking to enhance their wiring and smart thermostat skills!
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS AND COMPONENT TESTING
Build on your Basic Electricity knowledge with this hands-on, twoday course. Learn to confidently use a multimeter, ensuring proper tester ratings and testing procedures. Dive into reading and interpreting electrical diagrams, including component and ladder diagrams, using materials from the ESCO Institute. Note: A multimeter is required—bring your own or purchase one during registration.
HYDRONIC ELECTRICAL CONTROL STRATEGIES AND WIRING
This 12-hour course equips students with the skills to effectively control hydronic heating systems using top brands like Hydrolevel, Resideo, Tekmar, Taco, and more. Explore best practices for zoning with valves vs. pumps and their associated controls. Participants will receive a Taco Wiring Guide and manufacturer instruction manuals for all controls covered, ensuring hands-on learning and practical application.
HEAT LOSS CALCULATIONS & SYSTEM DESIGN
This one-day course empowers students to master manual heat loss calculations and system design for HVAC installations. Learn to determine accurate heating and cooling loads by reviewing building
construction standards and designing systems for a single house using hot water, hot air, and heat pumps. Understand how proper equipment sizing impacts occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and system longevity. The course also covers converting heat loss to ducted systems and applying correct duct sizing methods, ensuring precise and effective system designs. Perfect for professionals committed to optimizing HVAC performance!
OILHEAT
DOMESTIC HOT WATER PRODUCTION & SIZING CALCULATIONS
In this 8-hour course, students will learn how to properly size domestic hot water systems for both residential and commercial applications. Using ASHRAE standards, the course covers sizing methods for on-demand and storage tank systems, with a focus on single-family, multi-family, and commercial buildings. Students will apply manufacturer guidelines to design systems for a large residential home and a small hotel or motel, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Perfect for professionals looking to enhance their hot water system design skills!
HYDRONIC PIPING, SIZING, AND SYSTEM PREP
Hydronic Piping, Sizing, and System Prep is a two-day course that provides in-depth training on piping
strategies for non-condensing oil-fired boilers and gas-condensing boilers. Students will learn best practices for piping, air removal, and water treatment, with guidance from Caleffi Idronics manuals. The course also covers system preparation and the operation of flush carts, equipping students with the skills needed to ensure efficient, effective system setups. Perfect for those looking to refine their hydronic system installation and maintenance expertise!
SOLID FUEL LICENSE PREP
Solid Fuel License Prep is a oneday code review test prep that will also review how to install Solid Fuel units with Liquid Fuels Units. This class will cover NFPA 211 and the Maine Fuel Board Codes to prepare for the State Licensing Exam. Master Oilburner Technicians are approved to take this exam without field Supervision.
JUNE 23-25, 2025
Tracking the 131st Maine Legislature: Insights, Rankings, and Key Takeaways for Economic Growth
Roll CallMERI’s 2024
Image by Eric Haynes, Creative Commons
earned the lowest score (0 percent).
"MERI’s Roll Call provides Maine voters with an understanding of where their legislators stand with the business community.”
and individual state legislators’ votes on bills and initiatives impacting Maine’s businesses and economy. The 131st Legislature received an overall performance ranking, or average of every individual legislator’s score, of 44.5 percent, while individual legislators’ scores ranged from a high score of 98 and a low of zero. Of the 101 bills MERI tracked, only three of the 33 bills MERI supported were enacted through Roll Call votes.
During each legislative session, MERI tracks legislators’ votes on a set of “Watch List” bills. After each session concludes, MERI analyzes legislator votes and publishes their scores and rankings in Roll Call. A vote supporting MERI’s position on a bill is a positive mark on a legislator’s score.
This year, MERI recognized Senate President Troy Jackson (Aroostook) as its “Policy Champ” for being the top sponsor of pro-MERI bills in the 131st Legislature. Senator Michael Tipping (Penobscot) earned MERI’s “Policy Flop” designation for sponsoring the most bills MERI opposed. Representative Timothy Guerrette of House District 4 (Caribou) earned MERI’s highest score (98 percent). Representative Laura Supica of House District 22 (Bangor)
Since 1999, MERI has provided objective, research-based analyses of state legislator votes that impact Maine’s business community, economy, and economic competitiveness. Legislation selected for tracking is driven by what Maine employers of all sizes and sectors across Maine indicate will be critical to their success and growing Maine’s economy.
MERI uses criteria from Maine’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy and the Making Maine Work and Measures of Growth reports and takes into account Maine’s current and future needs in areas including education attainment, energy costs, wage growth, tax burden, R&D investment, talent attraction, housing, and more to provide objective and transparent ratings about legislators’ support for efforts to meet Maine’s future goals and keep Maine competitive. MERI’s Roll Call provides Maine voters with an understanding of where their legislators stand with the business community.
For MERI’s full Roll Call report of legislator scores and rankings, please click here or visit www.me-ri.org/rollcall. MERI’s “Watch List” of bills in both the first and second regular sessions of the 131st Legislature covered taxation, innovation, research and development, energy, the environment, labor, and education. The full “Watch List” can be found here or at me-ri.org/watch-list/.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES PICKS KEY AND ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL
"These appointments suggest the incoming administration will make good on its campaign promise of prioritizing energy affordability, regulatory reform, and maintaining fuel choice over rapid electrification.”
President-elect Donald Trump has begun announcing his administration's leadership team, with several appointments signaling a dramatic shift in federal energy and environmental policy. His selections for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Interior Secretary, and Energy Secretary are of particular interest to heating fuel dealers and home comfort businesses.expertise!
Lee Zeldin, a former Congressman from Long Island, New York, has been tapped to lead the EPA. He has been a vocal critic of the "electrify everything" agenda and supports an all-of-the-above approach focused on American energy security and reliability.
President-elect Trump has said Zeldin will vigorously roll back EPA regulations, including Biden's clean power plan and EVfocused vehicle emissions standards. While in Congress, Zeldin echoed petroleum industry concerns about EPA's renewable fuel standard (RFS). However, since then, groups like API and AFPM – representing oil producers and refiners, respectively – have adopted a more favorable view of the RFS, particularly as liquid fuels seek to remain competitive against electrification. Zeldin will likely take a similar approach.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has been named to lead the Interior Department, incorporating a czar-like role to oversee – among other things – pushing federal government initiatives to encourage more energy production. Burgum will lead a new National Energy Council, giving the new appointee a seat on the National Security Council, and according to a statement from Trump on Monday, he will "oversee the path to US energy dominance." In his statement,
Trump said the council would seek to help the U.S. expand all types of energy production, partly as a response to the needs of energyhungry AI data centers and servers.
Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright will be nominated as Energy Secretary. A vocal defender of traditional fuels and critic of rapid electrification, Wright is expected to support expanding domestic energy production and power generation capacity. Trump said these policies will be integral to his plan to reduce U.S. energy prices and "ensure that America has the power to serve all of our needs without the devastation of blackouts and brownouts and to WIN the battle for A.I. superiority, which is key to National Security and our Nation's Prosperity." Expect Wright to also reverse course on federal efforts to restrict consumer access to gas stoves and liquid- and gas-fired heating systems.
Several key positions affecting our industry remain unfilled, including the Secretaries of Transportation and Labor. As a reminder, all of Trump's appointments to lead federal departments, agencies, and commissions will require Senate confirmation.
The President-elect also announced that entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead efforts to reform the federal bureaucracy, possibly even recommending the consolidation or outright closure of certain agencies, though the exact structure of this initiative remains unclear.
These appointments suggest the incoming administration will make good on its campaign promise of prioritizing energy affordability, regulatory reform, and maintaining fuel choice over rapid electrification.
• Multi-Fuel! Oil or gas!! Don’t get trapped!
• Runs on oil, natural gas, propane OR biofuel (compliant with blends of up to 100% biodiesel! )
• Efficient! Combined heat and hot water in one boiler
• Whisper quiet!
• Replace 2, 3 and 4 section oil boilers!
• Lifetime Limited Warranty † • Proven 30 year boiler!
Manage your Irving Oil contracts anytime,
By combining our buying platform and customer self-serve portal, we’ve created one user-friendly solution: NAVDesk Hub.
• Buy and view contracts all in one place
• Export your BOL and invoice data
• View contract balances and credit information
• And more!
For more information, call 1.866.865.8800 or email IOCCustomerSupport@irvingoil.com
EN ERGY MARKE TERS OF A MERIC A
EMA’s CREDIT CARD PROGRAM
Save money with our EMA Credit Card Program
Our program is designed to save EMA Members money by offering the lowest cost to process credit cards. Call us today at 813.600.0447 to find out how we can help increase your bottom line by cutting cost.
Why Worldpay
As a leading payments technology company with unique capability to power global integrated omni-commerce, our industry-leading scale and unmatched integrated technology platform offers clients a comprehensive suite of products and services globally, delivered through a single provider.
We process over 40 billion transactions annually through more than 300 payment types across 146 countries and 126 currencies. Our company’s growth strategy includes expanding into high-growth markets, verticals and customer segments, including global eCommerce, Integrated Payments and B2B.
Card acceptance
Worldpay processes all US card types including fleet cards and settles directly with merchants for American Express, Wright Express and Voyager. Meaning the member doesn’t have to wait for fleet card providers to deposit their funds.
Pricing*
The actual fee your members pay is $0.029 per transaction plus interchange.
EMA negotiated a $0.029 transaction fee that is offered to EMA members. As more locations are added to the program, the transaction fee goes down.
EMA also negotiated the additional fees Worldpay can charge state association members. Contractually, Worldpay cannot raise fees or add any additional fees during the term of the EMA agreement.
See reverse side for the per transaction fees* (“Pricing”)
EMA CREDIT CARD PROGRAM
Per transaction fees* (“Pricing”)
• Visa/Mastercard/Discover/PP Credit Card Transactions and American Express Transactions settled by Worldpay
• Non Visa/Mastercard/Discover/PP Transactions
• American Express (settled by American Express)
• Debit Card Transactions
• Electronic Benefit Transfers (EBT)
• Gift Card Transactions
•
Interchange fee’s
The charts below represent inside and outside interchange fees and Worldpay’s transaction fee based on a $30.00 average ticket. As you can see, our fee compared to interchange is a small price for the all the services we offer your members.
InSide Interchange Fees
Outside Store Interchange Fees
