Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3195, sub-§7 is enacted to read:

7.__Special or incentive rate contracts.__In the renewal or renegotiation of special or incentive rate contracts, a transmission and distribution utility shall assume that the self-generation or other alternative source of power has been installed or obtained as originally proposed by the customer or customer groups and has since been operated in a commercially reasonable manner, including the maintenance of permits, the procurement of long-term fuel supplies and proper maintenance.__This manner of operation is assumed to continue through the period of proposed rate or contract renewal.

SUMMARY

This bill requires a utility to treat self-generation or other alternative sources of power as long-term investments by customers when renegotiating or renewing special or incentive rate contracts.