Energy Q&A

Corn stoves are said to be very efficient and economical, but Maine dealers are reportedly out of stock. Are there no corn stove manufacturers in Maine? If not, is there any agency which can provide incentives to a Maine company to start making them? Imported stoves tend to be expensive.

– Fern and Bill Stearns, Milford

According to Jack Cashman, commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, the sudden spike in energy prices is generating interest in a range of energy-related opportunities and start-up businesses, including corn-burning stoves.

“Demand for wood pellet stoves has been on the increase because oil has gone up as rapidly as it has,” said Cashman, “and the demand for corn stoves also has been increasing.”

His department, he said, is gathering details on corn-stove production, including supply, cost and delivery information. “If the market is there, and a manufacturer is interested, we are the agency that would put together the incentive package. We’d be very happy to work with someone who would want to get into the business in Maine,” Cashman said.

He believes corn-burning stoves could be a good fit for at least two stove manufacturers already in the state.

As for wood pellets, “right now, demand is outstripping supply,” Cashman said, and in Greenville an entrepreneur in that town’s business incubator is starting up a pellet production business.