I’m not particularly stupid although I might be a bit naïve. I say ‘naïve’ because I thought that if our government could save money, they would jump at a chance to do that!

In 2003, I was living in Freeport Maine and joined the Made in Maine organization – a BIG deal in Maine. Through that group, I was introduced to the person almost in charge of the program for keeping low-income people and homes warm (I believe that it USED to be called something like Cuddle Me Up Program).

My approach, based on a lot of research, was that the user of a pillowcase could save 5% on the heating bill just by turning down the thermostat: turn it down 3 degrees and save 15%. Since the government was helping with, or paying for the energy bills, I mentioned that the government would actually be saving money. I offered to sell the pillowcases for $2 above cost. I got turned down because the government didn’t want to spend any money. Duh?

Not being TOO discouraged, I contacted the Citizens Energy Heat Assistance , a program started by Joe Kennedy. My approach was the same but this time I offered to donate ten pillowcases to prove my point. I got turned down again because this non-profit agency didn’t want to save any money.

If I couldn’t sell wholesale, or even give away pillowcases in Maine and Massachusetts, during snow season, what chance did I have anywhere else. Maybe the approach should have been more direct: when your agency saves money you will then be able to hire more government employees and your bonus or salary will increase.