The Speaker of the House shall appoint 2 members of the House of Representatives, one from the majority political party and one from a minority political party, who serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy to participate in the council's deliberations under this section. The President of the Senate shall appoint 2 members of the Senate, one from the majority political party and one from a minority political party, who serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy to participate in the council's deliberations under this section. All appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this Act. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once appointments have been completed. Legislators so appointed are members of the council for the purpose of allowing their full participation in its deliberations, including voting on findings and recommendations, conducted pursuant to this section. Legislators are not members of the council for any other purposes and are not entitled to participate in any other matters of the council. Legislators so appointed are entitled to receive the legislative per diem and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at meetings of the commission.

The council may hold up to 4 meetings to conduct its review, including one public hearing on its draft findings and recommendations prior to preparing its final draft. As it finds appropriate, the council shall invite additional comments from legislative committees of jurisdiction, stakeholders and the public.

In response to the report of the council, the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature concerning energy policy.

Sec. 5. Transfer of funds. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 3211-A, the State Controller shall transfer $1,705 from the Public Utilities