The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and submitting Maine’s State Energy Security Plan (SESP) in accordance with federal and state requirements. States and territories participating in the U.S. State Energy Program are required to develop and maintain plans to enhance energy security, emergency response, and resilience. In addition, 35-A §10305 sub-§12 directs DOER to prepare and submit the plan to the state legislature while protecting sensitive information.
Maine’s SESP identifies risks and vulnerabilities to the state’s energy supply and delivery systems, establishes a framework for communication and coordination during energy emergencies, and outlines strategies to strengthen energy resilience before, during, and after disruptive events.
The U.S. Department of Energy approved Maine’s comprehensive State Energy Security Plan (PDF) in December 2024. To protect certain sensitive or confidential information, including data on critical energy infrastructure, some text has been redacted in accordance with federal and state law.
Development and implementation of the SESP requires coordination among federal, state, regional, local, tribal, and private sector partners. DOER works closely with emergency management officials, utilities, fuel suppliers, and other stakeholders to assess risks, improve preparedness, support response activities, and advance long-term energy resilience. The plan serves as both a strategic planning document and a resource for situational awareness during energy emergencies.
Emergency Management
Emergency preparedness and response require ongoing coordination across jurisdictions and sectors. DOER works closely with the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Maine Department of Public Safety, utilities, fuel suppliers, regional organizations, and federal partners to support the reliable delivery of electricity and fuels during emergencies.
DOER participates in emergency training exercises, planning activities, and information sharing efforts designed to strengthen readiness for a range of energy disruptions. The department also regularly participates in pre-winter and winter preparedness briefings with state agencies, industry representatives, and regional, national, and international partners to monitor conditions and address emerging concerns related to electricity and fuel supplies.
Regional Coordination
A key component of this work is participation in the Northeast Regional Operational Coordination Collaborative (NEROCC), a multi-state initiative supported by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER). NEROCC enhances regional coordination, information sharing, and preparedness for energy system disruptions and their potential impacts on fuel supply chains and other critical services. Participants in NEROCC include state energy offices, emergency management agencies, and public utility commissions from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Other Resources
- Maine DOER Winter Heating Guide
- MEMA Cooling and Warming Shelters
- MEMA Alternative Heat Source Safety Information
- Maine Community Action Agency Directory
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)