Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3211-A, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 624, §4, is amended by amending the first paragraph to read:

2. Programs. The commission shall develop and, to the extent of available funds, implement conservation programs in accordance with this section. The commission shall establish and, on a schedule determined by the commission, revise objectives and an overall energy strategy for conservation programs. Conservation programs implemented by the commission must be consistent with the objectives and an overall energy strategy developed by the commission and be cost effective, as defined by the commission by rule or order. In defining "cost effective," the commission may consider the extent to which a program promotes sustainable economic development or reduces environmental damage to the extent the commission can quantify or otherwise reasonably identify such effects. The commission may implement only those conservation programs that actually reduce the cost of electricity to consumers in the State.

Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §3212, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1999, c. 577, §4 and c. 578, §1, is further amended by amending the first paragraph to read:

2. Selection of standard-offer service providers. After terms and conditions for standard-offer service have been established under subsection 1, the commission shall administer a bid process to select a standard-offer service provider for that transmission and distribution utility's service territory. By December 1, 1999, the The commission shall review the bid submissions for each transmission and distribution utility and select the standard-offer service provider or providers for that utility's service territory. The commission shall choose the provider or providers that submit the lowest responsible bid or bids and that meet the criteria set by the commission for standard-offer service providers.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Public Utilities Commission to:

1. Implement only those electricity conservation programs that actually reduce the cost of electricity to consumers in the State; and

2. Choose as standard-offer provider the provider or providers that submit the lowest responsible bid or bids and that meet the criteria set by the commission for standard- offer service providers.