Resolve, To Enhance Economic Development by Encouraging Businesses Adjacent to Electric Power Generators To Obtain Power Directly

CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY

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

This resolve proposes to establish a stakeholder group to identify barriers to and incentives for the direct purchase of electricity by businesses adjacent to electricity-generating facilities, with the intent that the direct purchase of the electricity will decrease total electricity costs to the businesses.

The stakeholder group may be chaired by a representative of the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Public Advocate or the Governor's Energy Office.

Stakeholders may include representatives from the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Public Advocate, the Governor's Energy Office, the Department of Economic and Community Development, municipalities, business associations, transmission and distribution utilities, electricity generators and up to 2 Legislators appointed by the presiding officers.

Other than the 2 Legislators appointed by the presiding officers, the members of the stakeholder group may be appointed by the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Public Advocate or the Governor's Energy Office.

The stakeholder group would examine the effects of exit fees, limitations on authority to construct electric transmission lines and the need for backup service from transmission and distribution utilities on the ability of a business to purchase electricity directly from an electricity-generating facility adjacent to the business's property. Additionally, the stakeholder group may consider the feasibility of designating businesses located adjacent to electricity-generating facilities as Pine Tree Development Zone businesses, regardless of the type of business, in order to encourage development in those locations so that the businesses may take advantage of the benefits provided in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 3210-E.

The stakeholder group would be required to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology by January 15, 2014 the findings and recommendations of the stakeholder group, including any suggested legislation. The committee would be authorized to report out a bill relating to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature.