An Act To Ensure Accurate Explanations of Electric Bills

Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3106  is enacted to read:

§ 3106.  Written rate and charge information

An investor-owned transmission and distribution utility may not provide any information to a customer that explains electricity rate components without the approval of the commission. The commission shall ensure that the information provided by an investor-owned transmission and distribution utility accurately reflects the overall rate structure and cost components for the supply and delivery of electricity. Information provided by an investor-owned transmission and distribution utility under this section must include a graph or chart that displays trends over the past 10 years and an explanation of how the electricity is competitively supplied while delivery is provided through a transmission and distribution utility. Prior to approving or disapproving any written information under this section, the commission must receive input from the Public Advocate and other interested parties.

summary

This bill requires an investor-owned transmission and distribution utility to obtain the approval of the Public Utilities Commission before providing information explaining electricity rate components to a customer. The bill requires the commission to ensure that the information provided to a customer accurately reflects the overall rate structure and cost components for the supply and delivery of electricity. The bill also requires the commission to receive input from the Public Advocate and other interested parties before approving or disapproving any written information provided by an investor-owned transmission and distribution utility to a customer.