126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 131		LR 11(01)
	An Act To Secure the Safety of Electrical Power Transmission Lines
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Boland of Sanford
	Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The Public Utilities Commission (PUC), in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is required to adopt routine technical rules to identify effective design measures for a transmission and distribution (T&D) system in order to limit electromagnetic field levels and ensure the protection of the T&D system as well as to consider electromagnetic field levels when determining the public need for a transmission line.  The PUC and the DEP have adequate available resources for the rulemaking and other expenses related to the activities required.  Adoption of these rule changes may translate into future rate increases for electricity consumers due to the additional costs associated with incorporating the design measures.