AUGUSTA – The Public Utilities Commission and the Maine Small Business Development Centers are releasing a guide about the wise use of electricity. The 45-page booklet is free to any Maine small business owner by calling Efficiency Maine toll free at 1-866-376-2463.

The guide, Energy Efficiency Pays: A Guide for the Small Business Owner, is written in layman’s terms, and offers energy-saving tips and descriptions of lighting, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning facts designed to reduce energy consumption. The guide encourages small business owners to: buy energy-efficient products, from light bulbs to office machines to water heaters; create a new budget line to plan for energy-related expenses; hire an HVAC contractor to understand what to look for and how to work together; and plan upgrades to include more energy-efficient technologies when remodeling their facility.

The Small Business Program is one of several programs offered by Efficiency Maine, which was launched by the MPUC to promote efficient electric use, help lower overall electricity costs for Maine ratepayers, and improve the environment. Visit www.efficiencymaine.com www.efficiencymaine.com/> or phone 866-376-2463 to learn about the program.