Sec. D-1. Maine Energy Council.
1. Council established. The Maine Energy Council, referred to in this section as "the council," is established to evaluate matters affecting electricity supply and costs to consumers in this State and to provide recommendations to the Governor, the Public Utilities Commission, other appropriate state agencies and the Legislature regarding these matters.
2. Membership. The council consists of 17 members. Appointing authorities shall seek to ensure representation of all areas of the State. Members are appointed as follows:
A. Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, one of whom must be a member of the political party holding the largest number of seats in the Senate and one of whom must be a member of the political party holding the 2nd-largest number of seats in the Senate;
B. Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom must be a member of the political party holding the largest number of seats in the House and one of whom must be a member of the political party holding the 2nd-largest number of seats in the House;
C. The chair of the Public Utilities Commission or the chair's designee;
D. The Public Advocate or the Public Advocate's designee;
E. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection or the commissioner's designee;
F. One member representing the Governor's office, appointed by the Governor; and
G. Nine persons appointed by the Governor, including:
(1) One member from the University of Maine System who has expertise in energy issues;
(2) One member representing electricity generators with a capacity in excess of 100 megawatts;
(3) One member representing electricity generators that rely on renewable energy resources;
(4) One member representing competitive electricity providers;
(5) One member representing residential users of electricity;
(6) One member representing large industrial users of electricity;
(7) One member representing small commercial users of electricity;
(8) One member representing investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities; and
(9) One member representing consumer-owned transmission and distribution utilities.
The Governor shall request a list of names from organizations or entities identified in paragraph G from which to make appointments.
3. Chairs. The first-named Senate member and the first-named House member serve as cochairs of the council.
4. Appointments; convening of council. All appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this Act. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the council.
5. Compensation. The legislative members of the council are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the council. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses and, upon a demonstration of financial hardship, a per diem equal to the legislative per diem for their attendance at authorized meetings of the council.
6. Staffing. The staff of the Public Utilities Commission shall, within existing resources, provide assistance to the council in carrying out its functions and duties.
7. Duties. The council shall:
A. Advise the Governor, the Public Utilities Commission, other appropriate state agencies and the Legislature on matters affecting electricity supply and costs to consumers in this State;
B. As resources permit, undertake studies, develop findings and make recommendations to the Governor and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities matters on issues affecting electricity supply or costs to consumers in this State; and
C. Undertake an examination of the feasibility and appropriate means of studying the impacts of electric industry restructuring in this State.
8. Authority. As resources permit, the council may:
A. Conduct public hearings, conferences, workshops and other meetings to obtain information about and discuss and publicize the needs of and solutions to issues facing electricity consumers in this State; and
B. At the request of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities matters, examine specific issues affecting electricity consumers in this State.
9. Report. No later than January 15, 2007, the council shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities matters and the Legislative Council. The council is not authorized to introduce legislation. Following receipt and review of the report, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities matters may report out a bill to the First Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.
10. Extension. If the council requires a limited extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant an extension.
11. Council budget. The chairs of the council, with assistance from the council staff, shall administer the council's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the council shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for its approval. The council may not incur expenses that would result in the council's exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the council, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the council chairs and staff with a status report on the council budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.
Effective August 23, 2006.
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