Governor Janet T. Mills (D) Announced New Department of Energy Resources This Morning.

Governor Janet T. Mills (D) this morning announced the official launch of the Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER), a new cabinet-level department to lead State energy policy, programs and planning in support of more affordable and reliable energy for Maine people and businesses.

“The new Maine Department of Energy Resources will help deliver for more affordable, reliable, and secure energy that is ready to serve Maine people for generations to come,” said Governor Janet Mills.  “The Department will help us plan smarter, seize new opportunities and strengthen our partnerships across the region to meet Maine’s energy challenges and ensure a brighter future for our state.”

As proposed by Governor Mills and approved by the Legislature, Maine joins more than other 40 states wth cabinet-level energy departments.  DOER will replace the Governor’s Energy Office as the State’s designated energy office.  The Department will continue GEO’s core responsibilities, coordinate with national, state and regional entities, while assuming new authority granted by the Legislatdure to conduct energy procurements from clean, cost-effective sources with approval of the Maine Public Utiities Comnission.

The Governor has appointed Dan Burgess, currently director of the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO), to serve as Acting Commissioner.  Raied in Newport, Maine, Burgess was appointed by Governor Mills to lead the Governor’s Energy Office in 2019 and has more than 15 years of energy policy leadership experience in state government.

“I thank Governor Mills for the opportunity to serve as Acting Commissioner at such an important moment for Maine,” said Dan Burgess.  “By elevating energy to cabinet level, the Department will have the people, tools and authority to plan to strengthen ojr grid, and promote cost-effectie energy soltions for Maine.  Our focus will be on practical actions that benefit Maine famililes and businesses today, while preparing for a secure and reliable energy future.”