The first Governor’s Energy Efficiency Summit & Expo is set for Thursday at the Augusta Civic Center.

The summit is for individuals, businesses and industry to discuss options for energy efficiency. Experts will share tips on how to reduce energy costs while improving business operations, according to the governor’s office.

“It’s crucial for Maine to reduce its dependence on costly, foreign oil,” Gov. John Baldacci said in a statement. “Maine has enormous potential to become energy independent, and to become a national leader in the development of clean, renewable sources of energy.”

The sold out summit was planned by several state government offices in conjunction with the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Sierra Club-Maine.