Sec. 4. 35-A MRSA §3211-A, sub-§4-A is enacted to read:

4-A. Funding levels.__The commission shall assess transmission and distribution utilities to collect funds for conservation programs and administrative costs in the amount of 0.2__per kilowatt-hour of electricity delivered to retail customers.__In the case of consumer-owned transmission and distribution utilities, the commission shall set assessment levels that are just and reasonable and comport with the transmission and distribution utility's service territory, including the needs of customers.

Sec. 5. 35-A MRSA §3211-B is enacted to read:

§3211-B.__Appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards

1.__General purpose.__This section establishes minimum efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the State.

2.__Findings.__The Legislature finds that:

A.__Efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the State assure consumers and businesses that such products meet minimum efficiency performance levels, thus saving money on utility bills;

B.__Efficiency standards save energy and thus reduce pollution and other environmental impacts associated with the production, distribution and use of electricity and natural gas;

C.__Efficiency standards can make electricity systems more reliable by reducing the strain on the electricity grid during peak demand periods. Furthermore, improved energy efficiency can reduce or delay the need for new power plants, power transmission lines and power distribution system upgrades; and

D.__Energy efficiency standards contribute to the economy of this State by enabling consumers and business owners to spend less on energy, leaving more for the purchase of local goods and services.