“Energy prices continue to rise and people are legitimately worried,” Sen. Benoit said.  “Mainers are concerned about how they will afford to heat their homes this winter.  This energy forum will give us an opportunity to listen to the citizens of our area and discuss various ways to deal with the high cost of energy.  From policy changes to plastic wrap for your windows, this forum will provide a way for the people of Sagadahoc County to discuss energy issues.”  Representative Prescott added, “There are some beneficial programs that are already available and we want to make sure the public knows about them.”

Sen. Benoit's and Representative Prescott's energy forum will take place in the Topsham Town Office at 100 Main Street Topsham.  Representatives of the various state programs to assist Mainer's with energy needs, including Maine State House and  Coastal Economic Development, the area's CAP agency, will be at the forum to offer insight into options Maine citizens have to lessen their own energy burden.

“International and federal issues have largely created the energy crisis we face today, but there are steps the State of Maine and its citizens can take to provide relief at the pump and relief powering Maine homes and businesses,” Rep. Prescott said.  “For example, if state government repealed the automatic annual increase in the gasoline tax and lowered our gas tax to the New England average, we could save taxpayers about $44 million a year.  These are the type of discussions we need to have at the forum, and I hope Sagadahoc County residents will attend the event to contribute their own ideas. This is a two way dialogue; we want the people attending to learn more about what the state has to offer for energy assistance and we want to learn what is the best way to meet the energy needs of our constituents.”

Sen. Benoit and Representative Prescott are encouraging all Sagadahoc County residents to attend the energy forum and bring their own friends and family as well.  To learn more about the forum, contact Sen. Benoit's office at 287-1505, or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it