Kennebec Valley Council of Governments

11/03/2026

10/07/2026

Grants Available To Help Reduce Energy Costs for Maine Rural Businesses

The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER), in partnership with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), is offering $950,000 in grants and technical assistance to help small rural businesses reduce and manage energy costs.

The funding is available through the Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE) grant program, which supports energy efficiency, clean energy, and other measures that can lower energy expenditures and improve energy security and resilience.

Small businesses that are part of Maine’s key industries, as defined in Maine’s Ten-Year Economic Development Strategy, are encouraged to apply for:
• Technical assistance, including energy audits, assessments, project scoping, and funding navigation; or
• Project funding for eligible energy-related equipment and installation costs.

The grants will be administered through DOER’s Clean Energy Partnership program, which has deployed more than $9 million to advance Maine’s clean energy, economic development, climate, and workforce goals.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. on November 3, 2026. The Request for Applications (RFA) and related documents are available through the Vendor Self Service System (VSS). Search for RFA #202609150. Applications must be submitted through VSS to the Office of State Procurement Services.

Send a message to learn more

09/28/2026

KVCOG and the Town of Bingham successfully hosted Bingham’s first-ever Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event on September 27th at the Bingham Transfer Station. The new location allowed KVCOG’s regional HHW program to expand into a more rural area of northern Somerset County, providing a more convenient disposal option for residents who otherwise have limited access to safe HHW disposal opportunities.

Residents from Bingham, Moscow, Jackman, Pleasant Ridge Plantation, Concord Township, and Mayfield Township participated in the event. Together, they diverted 104 units of household hazardous waste, with one unit equal to five gallons, 20 pounds, or a combination of the two, as well as 2½ PaintCare boxes of paint. The event also offered collection of textiles and unwanted pharmaceuticals. The strong turnout for a first-time event demonstrates the value of bringing diversion opportunities closer to Maine’s rural communities. KVCOG appreciates the Town of Bingham and all participating communities for helping make the event a success. And a big thank you to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office, Apparel Impact, and EnviroServe for attending this event so that we were able to accept and divert these hard to dispose of materials!

09/01/2026

Are you looking for a part-time job with flexible hours, remote work and only one day in the office per week? KVCOG is hiring for a part-time assistant for the Regional Code Enforcement Officer Program. Please use the link below for more details.

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) is a community nonprofit organization established in 1967, that provides planning and economic development assistance to the towns in Kennebec and Somerset Counties, and Western Waldo County. KVCOG is accepting applications for a part-time (20 hours) Re...

08/20/2026

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) is partnering with local municipalities to host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day in Skowhegan this October. These annual events provide residents with a safe, convenient way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other difficult-to-manage items, keeping hazardous materials out of our water systems, protecting wildlife, and safeguarding community health.

Collection Date and Location:
• Saturday, October 3rd (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) – Skowhegan Transfer Station, 29 Transfer Station Drive, Skowhegan, ME 04976
Participating towns: Skowhegan, Madison, Canaan
Residents must call their municipal office to pre-register and schedule a drop-off time:
o Skowhegan Transfer Station: 207-474-6918
o Madison Town Office: 207-696-3971
o Canaan Town Office: 207-474-8682

Important: Appointments are required. Residents without a scheduled slot will not be able to drop off materials.

What to Bring:
Household hazardous waste includes many common items that can be dangerous if stored improperly or disposed of in the trash. Examples include:
• Electronic waste and batteries
• Unused or unwanted pharmaceuticals
• Leftover paint, stains, and solvents
• Antifreeze, old fuels, and used oils
• Mercury thermostats and thermometers
• Household chemical cleaners and yard chemicals

Why It Matters:
Improper disposal of these materials can damage septic systems, contaminate groundwater, and pose risks to people and animals. By disposing of these items safely, residents help protect local water resources and keep hazardous substances out of the environment.

For more information, contact:
Olivia Kunesh, Environmental Coordinator
Kennebec Valley Council of Governments
[email protected]
(207) 238-6386
www.kvcog.org