Investment in energy efficiency ”“ to the extent we can afford it ”“ is smart strategy for individuals, institutions and businesses.

Maine’s climate makes us especially vulnerable to high energy prices and interruptions in supply. Making better use of energy benefits all of us by reducing the demand for potentially tight energy supplies. And efficiency also has  the direct payoff of lowering energy costs.

So it’s welcome news that the University of New England has been able to afford a number of new energy initiatives. Since 2008, UNE has been actively pursuing a strategy to reduce energy use and reduce the university’s carbon footprint.

Recently UNE reported that it has received $238,000 in funding for improved energy management systems, a solar hot water system, and highly efficient LED lighting in parking lots. The university has also upgraded its recycling operation and is making great progress in providing alternative transportation options for students.

UNE’s latest energy funding comes via Efficiency Maine, which is working effectively on the state’s behalf. The agency is pursuing ambitious goals for weatherization, reducing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Including UNE’s grant, Efficiency Maine recently funded 42 commercial, municipal and nonprofit projects, providing a total of $1.4 million, on top of earlier rounds of funding.

This is money that is being spent to make Maine less vulnerable in the next energy crisis, and it is spending that is benefiting our economy today. It has been directed to Maine by the U.S. Department of Energy, which has been providing grants to states from its $16.8 billion allocation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Some critics of stimulus spending have argued that its investments will have not have the lasting impact of some undertaken during the depression years. But promoting energy-efficiency  is likely to encourage the development and use of new technology. Future generations will also benefit from road improvements, rail expansion and the extension of broadband service ”“ all priorities of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Democrats in Congress are now vilified by their political opponents for authorizing $787 billion in such economic stimulus funding. But since there is good evidence that this money was desperately needed, and is being well spent, we hope voters will discount such politically motivated criticism.