CONCEPT DRAFT

SUMMARY

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill proposes to support clean and efficient energy in Maine by:

1. Increasing funding for energy efficiency by establishing a single, statewide system benefit charge for Maine's electricity efficiency program of .15 cents per kilowatt hour in 2003, .25 cents per kilowatt hour in 2006 and .30 cents per kilowatt hour starting in 2008;

2. Establishing new appliance and equipment energy standards for 15 products not currently covered by federal standards;

3. Increasing renewable energy production in Maine by amending the State's renewable energy portfolio standard to gradually increase the percentage of electricity products sold in Maine that are composed of clean, new renewable energy; and

4. Increasing energy efficient building construction by requiring that the so-called "LEED Green Building Standards" be established as the new residential building code in Maine and requiring the State to use this standard for all new state buildings and renovations of state buildings. The bill would also increase enforcement of building codes to ensure compliance.