The Maine Public Utilities Commission said Wednesday that it approved $158.2 million for energy efficiency improvements for Maine residents and businesses. While PUC commissioners touted the move as “cost effective” and one that would still position commercial and industrial customers to be competitive, environmental advocates blasted the allocation as a deep cut compared to funding offered in previous years. The PUC commissioners unanimously approved the funding, which will be administered by the Efficiency Maine Trust. [Subscribe to the BDN Business newsletter] The money is for the three years from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022. “We reviewed the EMT plan carefully and evaluated the cost-effectiveness of all proposed measures,” said Commissioner R.