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Code Status: Maine

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Maine. Information for all 50 States is also available. Maine Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: State-developed code called the Maine Model Building Energy Code, based on the 2003 IECC, which sets a minimum standard if a jurisdiction adopts a code. If a town adopted a building energy code prior to the July 27, 2005, it may retain that code, but any code adopted after the rule's effective date must be the Maine Model Building Energy Code. A town may adopt only portions of the Maine Model Building Energy Code or may adopt amendments to the Code. Not mandatory statewide.
  • Commercial Code: 2003 IECC or ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004, mandatory statewide; can use COMcheck to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: For commercial code, Maine considers the most recent version of 90.1 with positive DOE determination. Most recent adoption was effective July 27, 2005. The 2009 IECC will be adopted on Jan 1, 2010 by the Technical Codes and Standards Board. It will be effective July 1, 2010.
  • Jurisdictions: 2003 IECC: Biddeford, Portland
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Legislative & Regulatory

Code Change Process: Code adoptions and amendments originate from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC issues a final provisional rule and the order approving the rule through the PUC's rulemaking process. This also means that the Legislature must approve its final version. The next step is the drafting of a bill that adopts the provisional rule. The rule must be approved by the Attorney Generals's office before it goes to Utilities and Energy Committee which will then hold a public hearing on the bill. Comments are submitted in writing or in person. The Committee and ultimately the full Legislature revises the rule, accepts it as is or rejects it completely.

State Code History: In 1977 the state legislature adopted what is now Chapter 57 of the Private and Special Laws, which directed the Office of Energy Resources (OER) to establish the Maine Commission on Energy Efficiency Building Performance Standards (the Commission). The Commission was directed to investigate energy building standards and make recommendations to the next biennial legislature.

In 1979 PL 503, "The Energy Building Performance Standards Act," established 10 MRSA, Chapter 214, which directed the OER to adopt voluntary energy standards for residential and commercial new construction and substantial renovations. In 1980 the legislature adopted the voluntary standards into law.

On January 1, 1990, the Office of Energy Resources was closed and its responsibilities and some of the staff transferred to the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

On April 24, 2008, the state legislature established the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, setting the 2009 versions of the IECC, IBC, IRC, IEBC, and ASHRAE 90.1 as the mandatory building code standards for residential and commercial buildings statewide. Beginning July 1, 2010, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code must be enforced in municipalities that have more than 2,000 residents and that have adopted any building code by August 1, 2008. Beginning July 1, 2012, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code must be enforced in municipalities that have more than 2,000 residents and that have not adopted any building code by August 1, 2008. Communities smaller than 2,000 residents are exempt.

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2005, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 118.8 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 76.6 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 195.4 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 1,274,923
  • Total Housing Units2: 664,613
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 9,267
    • 1 unit: 8,573
    • 2 units: 156
    • 3 and 4 units: 158
    • 5+ units: 380
    • structures of 5+ units: 43

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
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Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

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