Resolve, Directing the Public Utilities Commission To Examine Performance-based Rates for Electric Utilities

Sec. 1. Proceeding to examine rate plans of investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," shall open a proceeding to examine the rate plans of each investor-owned transmission and distribution utility in the State.

In accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 3195, the commission shall examine rate design, existing performance metrics and any incentives for efficient operation that are currently in place for each investor-owned transmission and distribution utility. In its assessment of performance metrics, the commission shall specifically consider issues including, but not limited to, a utility's reliability as measured by amount of service interruption, billing accuracy, level of renewable energy generation integration and customer satisfaction.

Based on its review, the commission shall determine the appropriateness of any reasonable rate-adjustment mechanisms, including enhanced positive and negative financial incentives linked to performance.

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Public Utilities Commission to open a proceeding to examine the rate plans of each investor-owned transmission and distribution utility in the State. The commission is directed to examine rate design, existing performance metrics and any incentives for efficient operation that are currently in place for each investor-owned transmission and distribution utility and to specifically consider performance measures including a utility's reliability, billing accuracy, level of renewable energy generation integration and customer satisfaction. Based on its review, the commission shall determine the appropriateness of any reasonable rate-adjustment mechanisms, including enhanced positive and negative financial incentives linked to performance.