The city of South Portland launched our Electrify Everything! program a little over a month ago, providing residents with rebates on electric vehicles, electric lawncare equipment, e-bikes, heating and cooling systems, and home weatherization. This week, we’re providing a refresh on Electrify Everything!: what it is, our program goals and how to apply.

Program details

Electrify Everything! is a city-sponsored rebate program to provide financial assistance in the switch from fuel-powered vehicles, lawn care and home heating and cooling to electric. Through Electrify Everything!, you can get up to $2,000 per household in rebates on top of Efficiency Maine and other rebates.

The program is for South Portland residents with a household income up to 100 percent of area median income (e.g. less than $111,700 for a family of four).

Program goals

There are two main goals of Electrify Everything!: reduce our city-wide emissions and increase the affordability of electric appliances so all South Portland residents can reap their benefits.

1.) Reduce our emissions: by providing rebates on electric equipment and vehicles, Electrify Everything! will help us reach our goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. In South Portland, 19 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions come from residential buildings, and 32 percent come from transportation.

As more residents switch over to having electric appliances in their homes, driving electric vehicles, and caring for their lawns with electric equipment, our city-wide emissions will drastically decrease.

2.) Increase the affordability of electric appliances: Efficiency Maine offers a variety of home energy loans and Electrify Everything! aims to further alleviate upfront costs, creating an opportunity for more low and moderate income South Portlanders to make sustainable choices and start saving money. And the savings don’t stop there.

Due to their efficiency, electric appliances are less costly than their gas-powered counterparts, saving you money on your electric bills and transportation costs.

How to apply

Follow these easy steps to maximize your savings and start electrifying:

1. Check out current rebate options and decide what equipment you want to purchase.

2. Purchase the equipment and apply for any Efficiency Maine or other rebates (make sure to save all receipts).

3. Fill out the Electrify Everything! application online at southportland.org/electrify or in person at 829 Sawyer Ave. (formerly 496 Ocean St.).

4. Fill out a W-9 online or in person at 829 Sawyer Ave. (formerly 496 Ocean St.).

5. Bring the Electrify Everything! application, W-9, proof of Efficiency Maine rebates, receipts for non-Efficiency Maine rebates, photo ID, and proof of residency (can be photo ID) to 829 Sawyer Ave. (formerly 496 Ocean St.). You can also pick up and fill out these forms in person.

6. After applying for the rebate, you will hear back from the city within two weeks about the status of your rebate.

For more information, visit www.southportland.org/electrify.

Our Sustainable City is a recurring column in the Sentry intended to provide residents with news and information about sustainability initiatives in South Portland. Follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram and Facebook @soposustainability.

Mia Ambroiggio is a part-time South Portland Sustainability Office staff member. She can be reached at mambroiggio@southportland.org.

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