BETHEL – Gov. John Baldacci said Monday the plunge in oil prices must not lead Mainers to lose sight of the importance of achieving energy independence.

Baldacci took part in a ribbon cutting at Maine Energy Systems, a wood pellet facility in Bethel that provides fuel and furnaces to heat homes and businesses.

Baldacci said reducing Maine’s reliance on foreign oil would keep more money from flowing out of state.

Joining Baldacci at the ceremony was Les Otten, who chaired the Governor’s Wood to Energy Task Force and is a partner at Maine Energy Systems.