Meet the team, learn about our work and how we got here.
Our Team
We're hiring!
MCPC is hiring a Project Development Intern and a Communications Intern for Winter/Spring 2025.
We're looking for motivated interns to help advance community-owned renewable energy in Maine. These internships provide practical, hands-on experience and an opportunity to develop skills while contributing to impactful projects as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team.
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Duration: 3 months
Time commitment: 10-20 hours/week
Compensation: $20/hour
Location: Flexible. Work remotely or from our Portland office
Ideal start date: Early January
Applications due: December 31
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How to Apply:
If you’re interested, please email your resume and a brief introduction to contact@mainecommunitypower.com.
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We look forward to hearing from you!​
Project Development Internship
We are seeking a candidate with experience using CAD and GIS software, along with a willingness to learn tools like SketchUp and PVCase Prospect to assist in solar site development.
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Project Site Identification and Analysis (30%)
With guidance from the MCPC team, use tools like Anderson Optimization and PVCase Prospect to identify potential sites for solar project development.​
Project Site Drawings (50%)
Collaborate with the MCPC team to create detailed site drawings using SketchUp, including:
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Basic 3D models incorporating site location, terrain data, and zoning/construction constraints.
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Layouts for ground-mounted solar systems.
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2D site plans with dimensions, setbacks, and relevant details.​
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Utility Interconnection and Permit Applications (20%)
​Assist in preparing materials for utility interconnection applications and assembling documentation for municipal permit approvals.
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Communications Internship
The ideal candidate will have strong writing and organizational skills, with an interest in content creation, digital outreach, and community storytelling.
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Newsletter Development (30%)
​Draft biweekly newsletters featuring MCPC milestones, member stories, and renewable energy insights. Collaborate on creating content such as testimonials, interviews, and seasonal tips to build a content library for future use.​
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Social Media Management (40%)
​Manage weekly social media posts across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Engage with followers daily to foster community conversations, and propose campaigns like Q&A videos and hashtag initiatives. Track engagement metrics and suggest optimizations to grow MCPC’s digital presence.​
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Website Maintenance (30%)
Update website content for accuracy and brand consistency. Enhance accessibility through multilingual support, clear navigation, and inclusive design. Contribute ideas for website redevelopment to improve usability and member engagement.
Board of Directors
Don McLean
Vice President
Mary Ann Haxton
Treasurer
Michael Dunn
Secretary
Tom Light
Member
Jim Chandler
Member
Ted Colburn
Member
Dean Abby
Member
The cooperative is governed by its board of directors, in accordance with the articles of incorporation and bylaws. Directors are elected to three-year terms by the membership at its annual meeting. The board is responsible for establishing policy and providing management oversight. The following links provide more information on the role of the board of directors, its responsibilities, and governance of the cooperative.
Welcome
to Our Site
Maine Community Power Cooperative is the result of years of cooperative development work by the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) and the Cooperative Development Institute.
Timeline
2017
CEBE’s Energy Working Group begins exploring potential for a community-owned solar project
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​CEBE receives $20,000 technical assistance funding from US Department of Energy’s Sunshot Prize
2018
CEBE focuses on policy action, joining other environmental organizations to support establishing a community solar program in Maine
2019
Legislation enabling community solar passes in Maine legislature and signed into law
2020-2022
CEBE partners with solar developer to develop and build a 1 MW project on Norway’s municipal landfill, providing discounted electricity to the town, school district, and local businesses
2022
CEBE forms a solar steering committee and partners with the Cooperative Development Institute to develop a cooperatively-owned solar business model
August 2023
CEBE awarded $100,000 from U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations Energizing Rural Communities prize to support development of the cooperative project
March 2024
Maine Community Power Cooperative (MCPC) incorporated and elects founding board members
April 2024
MCPC selected for $2.9 million grant from U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Improvement in Rural and Remote Areas program
July 2024
MCPC awarded $98,000 from Maine Department of Economic and Community Development for expansion
August 2024
MCPC Board appoints Tyler Adkins as Chief Executive Officer
September 2024
U.S. Department of Energy’s increases MCPC’s Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas grant to program’s maximum award of $5 million