AUGUSTA – State legislators are looking at ways to make geothermal energy more affordable for Maine businesses and residents.

Rep. Timothy Carter, D-Bethel, is sponsoring legislation to establish a rebate program similar to the state’s solar energy rebate program, put in effect in 2005.

Geothermal energy systems use heat from the sun that has already penetrated the earth’s surface, accessed by turbine power plants powered by either dry steam, a hot water reservoir or electricity through a binary power plant, according to the Geothermal Education Office, based in California.

Once a geothermal energy system is put in place, it can run cheaply, but cost thousands of dollars to install, according to the House Majority Office.

The University of Maine at Farmington has such a system in its education center and residence hall, Carter said in a news release.

The solar energy rebate program works by allowing Mainers to incorporate solar energy into their regular energy usage, according to a news release from the House Majority Office. Since 2005, 235 Mainers have taken advantage of it, and with federal tax incentives have saved about 30 percent on the cost of purchasing and installing solar thermal energy systems.

The solar energy program uses federal grants to rebate homeowners and businesses 25 percent of the total cost of a new system, or $1,250 – whichever is less. The geothermal energy program would be similar.

The bill must get approval from legislative leaders before it can move forward. It will be taken up when the Legislature convenes in January.

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