ORONO – The Public Utilities Commission recognized the University of Maine on Feb. 23 for energy-efficient campus-wide upgrades that will save the university more than $70,000 annually.

The university has made substantial improvements across campus that will significantly lower its usage of electricity, save several thousand dollars in costs each year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming.

UMaine President Robert Kennedy and Kurt Adams, chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, outlined the improvements to those who gathered at the Alfond Arena for the event. UMaine was presented with a cash incentive of $50,000 for the environmentally responsible initiatives.

To date, more than 980 Maine businesses have participated in Efficiency Maine, a PUC program, which offers free advice and cash incentives to promote more efficient use of electricity, lower costs and improve Maine’s environment.