Maine's energy code moved up to 2021.
Since April 7, 2025, buildings in Maine follow the 2021 IECC, two editions newer than the code it replaced. Its shutoff, daylight and garage rules are easiest to meet with a controller on every fixture. We design it, supply it and test it.
MUBEC, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, in force since April 7, 2025. Sources
What Efficiency Maine pays for today.
Efficiency Maine runs the efficiency programs for every utility in the state. Its lighting incentives cover LED fixtures and retrofit kits, through one of its Qualified Partners. Networked lighting controls aren't on its list of standard measures, and its general lighting controls measure is inactive this program year. Its Custom program reviews projects one at a time and leaves out anything the code already calls for. As of October 2026.
So in Maine, the reasons to add controls are the code and the electric bill, which runs well above the national average. If you're already replacing fixtures with Efficiency Maine's help, we can design the controls to go with them.
Upgrading lighting anyway?
Maine's energy code is MUBEC, built on the 2021 IECC with no Maine changes to the lighting rules. It covers renovations as well as new buildings. Replace 10% or more of the fixtures in a space and the code calls for that space to get automatic shutoff, daylight dimming near the windows and, in garages, lights that step down when nobody's there. The controls get tested before final inspection.
Towns of more than 4,000 people enforce the code. Smaller towns don't have to, but the state says meeting it is still the owner's responsibility, and a state-certified third-party inspector can check the work.
A sensor in every fixture is the simplest way we know to meet those rules.
See how a project runs- GaragesStep down when a zone sits empty, and dim near open sides in daylightCovered
- DaylightDim near the windows, all the way to 15%Covered
- ShutoffLights off within 20 minutes of a room emptyingCovered
Portland's benchmarking rule.
In Portland, non-residential buildings over 20,000 sq ft and residential buildings with 50 or more units report their energy and water use each year by May 1, through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Single-tenant buildings report now, and the city expects multi-tenant buildings to start by May 1, 2027. It's a reporting rule with no performance target, and lighting controls lower the use it reports.
Buildings the state owns, leases or funds have a stricter bar: new and substantially renovated ones need an energy target at least 20% better than the code.
How we work in Maine.
Your building can be anywhere in the US. We design remotely and ship the kit set up and labeled by room. A local electrician installs it, and we test on site or remotely.
Questions owners ask.
Does Efficiency Maine pay for networked lighting controls?
Not as a standard incentive. Its lighting incentives cover LED fixtures and retrofit kits through a Qualified Partner, and its interior lighting controls measure is inactive for the program year that started July 1, 2026. Its Custom program reviews projects case by case and excludes anything the code calls for. As of October 2026.
Does the energy code apply to my renovation?
If the work replaces 10% or more of the fixtures in a space, yes. That space needs the current controls, and they get tested before final inspection. Swapping only lamps or ballasts counts as a repair.
My town has fewer than 4,000 people. Does the code still apply?
Yes. Smaller towns don't have to enforce it, but the state says compliance is the building owner's responsibility either way. A state-certified third-party inspector can inspect the work, and the town has to accept the inspector's certificate.
Does Portland's benchmarking ordinance cover my building?
It covers non-residential buildings over 20,000 sq ft and residential buildings with 50 or more units. Single-tenant buildings report by May 1 each year now. Multi-tenant buildings start once the city confirms whole-building utility data is available, which it expects for May 1, 2027.
Who signs off on code compliance?
Your engineer of record and the building official, or a third-party inspector where the town doesn't enforce. We test every room and hand over the records they rely on; we don't sign the compliance or inspect our own work.
Tell us about your building.
An address is enough. Your free Lighting Controls Assessment comes back within 48 hours.
Networked lighting controls, start to finish.