Press advisory on announcement of ENERGY STAR mortgages in Maine

PRESS ADVISORY

February 18, 2009

Contact:

Mark Wolfe, EPC: 202-237-5199, 202-320-9046 (cell) Dan Simpson, MaineHousing: 207- 626-4600

Press Conference Announcing Launch of the ENERGY STAR® Mortgage Program in Maine

Collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, MaineHousing, and foundations will help homeowners cut energy costs

February 20, 2:00 p.m., 169 Libby Hill Road, Gardiner, Maine

Gardiner, ME -- On Friday, February 20, 2009, MaineHousing and the Energy Programs Consortium (EPC) will announce the launch of the ENERGY STAR® Mortgage Program, a collaborative effort between EPC, the U.S.Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state energy and housing agencies, local and national lenders, and with support from the Ford and Surdna Foundations. Maine is the first state in the country to offer the ENERGY STAR mortgage to consumers under the current program. The press event will be held in front of home of Wilbur Eshelman, one of the first families to receive an ENERGY STAR Mortgage.

An ENERGY STAR mortgage is a critical tool for many families looking to reduce expenses during today's challenging economic climate. This innovative mortgage product offers homeowners an opportunity to lower energy costs, while making significant, affordable weatherization improvements to their homes. An ENERGY STAR mortgage will enable homeowners to obtain a minimum 20% savings in home energy usage through the installation of better insulation and other weatherization measures. The retrofits will also lead to a reduction in the overall carbon emissions associated with a home's energy use.

Press Conference Details

WHAT: ENERGY STAR® Mortgage Program Launch

WHEN: February 20, 2009 @ 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: 169 Libby Hill Road, Gardiner, Maine

WHO: Speakers will include representatives from Maine Housing,

U.S. EPA, Ford Foundation and EPC.

Additional information on the ENERGY STAR Mortgage Program is available on EPC¹s Web site at http://www.energyprograms.org/briefs/index.html