121st Maine Legislature
		Office of Fiscal and Program Review
		LD 669
		An Act to Strengthen the Energy Resources Council
		LR 1687(02)
		Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
		Committee: Utilities and Energy
		Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
					Projections	Projections
			2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07
Appropriations/Allocations
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$200,000	$200,000	$200,000	$200,000
Revenue
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$200,000	$200,000	$200,000	$200,000
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill authorizes the use of up to $200,000 per fiscal year of the Conservation Program Fund dedicated revenue within the Public Utilities Commission to support certain activities and projects of the Energy Resources Council established pursuant to 5 MRSA section 3327.  This bill also requires the Energy Resources Council to undertake a comprehensive review of the State's energy policy and submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy by January 31, 2004.  There is sufficient revenue available to cover the proposed allocation for the current biennium.
	This bill includes an allocation of Other Special Revenue funds of $2,920 in fiscal year 2003-04 to the Legislature to authorize expenditures for the per diem and expenses of legislators participating in this Energy review and report requirement.  Funds from the Conservation Program Fund will need to be transferred from the Public Utilities Commission to the Legislature at the beginning of the year to support the above mentioned costs.  This bill includes language that requires the Public Utilities Commission to transfer these funds.
	This bill also changes the funding support for the Energy Resources Council by directing the Council to seek federal funding.  Currently, funding is provided by member agencies so the receipt of Federal funds will allow member agencies to experience some savings.