126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1825 LR 2623(02)
An Act To Assist Electric Utility Ratepayers
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Minor cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The bill requires transmission and distribution utilities to implement an arrearage management program to assist certain low-income customers who are in arrears on their electricity bills. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must adopt rules to establish the terms and conditions of this program. The Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT) will work with the utilities to provide access to a complementary low income energy efficiency program for those customers in the arrearage management program until September 30, 2018. The PUC must prepare and submit a report by January 28, 2018 to the Legislature on the effectiveness of the arrearage management program. Any additional costs to PUC and EMT to undertake these activities are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.