Electrify Everything!, South Portland’s electrification rebate program, has been recharged.

Launched by the city of South Portland Office of Sustainability on Sept. 1, 2022, Electrify Everything! provides rebates for the purchase of electric vehicles, electric lawn care equipment, e-bikes, heating and cooling systems, and home weatherization. Through March 2023, we have given out $100,000 in rebates, with another $150,000 still available.

This column is to announce that Electrify Everything! has been updated to reflect our push for carbon neutrality by 2050. Beginning April 1, 2023, increased rebate amounts are available for electric bikes, e-cargo bikes and lawn mowers. We have relaxed requirements for the purchase of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, making both used and out-of-state electric vehicle purchases eligible. We’ve also added rebates for the purchase of string trimmers.

Here is a summary of updates we have made to Electrify Everything! with the goal of improving access and accelerating our efforts:

1. Battery Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle may be purchased either new or used, and in- or out-of-state from reputable dealerships.

2. Increase the rebate for electric bikes (e-bikes) from $300 to $500.

3. Increase the rebate for electric cargo bikes (e-cargo bikes) from $500 to $800.

4. Increase the rebate for electric lawn mowers from $100 to $300.

5. Addition of string trimmer rebate for $50.

For more information and to apply, visit www.southportland.org/electrify.

The importance of beneficial electrification

Nearly a third of city-wide greenhouse gas emissions come from our transportation sector. An additional 19 percent of greenhouse gas emissions originate in our residential buildings, meaning that more than half of all city-wide emissions could be eliminated through beneficial electrification. Electrify Everything! helps South Portland advance toward our One Climate Future goals in the following ways:

1. Reduce vehicle carbon emissions: Electrify Everything! steers South Portland towards the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 through encouraging the mode shift away from gas-powered vehicles and equipment.

2. Decarbonize buildings through beneficial electrification: Maine’s energy grid is clean and the state’s governor recently doubled down on efforts to reach 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2040. To tap into Maine’s clean energy grid, One Climate Future calls for the replacement of furnaces and other appliances that burn natural gas or oil with electric appliances like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

3. Increase affordability of electric vehicles and appliances: In addition to Efficiency Maine and other state and federal rebates, Electrify Everything! alleviates the cost of electric vehicles and appliances for low and moderate income South Portland residents looking to make the transition away from fossil fuels.

4. Promote energy efficiency: Insulation and weatherization of buildings reduces the amount of energy required to operate them. It also helps building occupants stay safe and comfortable no matter the conditions outside.

Please reach out to the Sustainability Department with any questions about Electrify Everything! at https://southportland.org/departments/sustainability-office.

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 @soposustainability.

Steve Genovese is an AmeriCorps/Greater Portland Council of Governments Resilience Corps fellow serving in the South Portland Sustainability Office through September 2023. He can be reached at sgenovese@southportland.org.

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