PORTLAND (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci says he is setting up an energy task force to help coordinate state resources to deal with potential fuel shortages during Maine’s upcoming heating season.
With heating oil prices already at record levels, Baldacci indicated that fuel shortages or price spikes could trigger emergency situations that require the opening of public shelters and state monitoring of price gouging.
In summarizing his energy emergency management plan, the governor cautioned that the state’s ability to influence global markets is limited.
“While there are a number of things we can do, we cannot solve our country’s dependence on foreign oil ourselves,” he said.
Maine was caught off guard last winter when a propane shortage, caused largely by a railroad strike in Canada, forced dealers to ration deliveries. During the summer, Baldacci asked state energy director John Kerry and other members of his administration to meet with oil dealers, terminal operators and other officials who could play key roles during a fuel emergency.
Kerry, who heads the energy task force, said close ties with dealers and terminal operators will be critical in an emergency and can help the government anticipate potential problems.
“We’re trying to do everything in our power to make sure no one goes without heat,” he said.
Other steps being taken by the state to ease the burden of high fuel prices include the release by the Public Utilities Commission of an additional $400,000 for home weatherization for the poor. The Keep ME Warm program is providing kits that include efficient light bulbs, weatherstripping and window insulation through Community Action Programs.
An unspecified number of gas stations will begin selling fuel blended with 10 percent ethanol. State taxes aside, the fuel’s wholesale price is now 11 cents a gallon cheaper than that of the winter gasoline sold in Maine, according to the Maine Oil Dealers Association.
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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com
AP-ES-11-17-07 1239EST
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