Sec. 2. PL 2001, c. 136, §2 is amended to read:

*Sec. 2. Use of unexpended funds. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 116, subsection 5, the Public Utilities Commission may expend in fiscal year 2001-02 2003-04 and fiscal year 2002-03 2004-05, for the purposes specified in Title 35-A, section 116, subsection 4, 100% of any unexpended funds remaining at the end of the prior fiscal year. Treatment of funds not expended at the end of fiscal year 2002-03 2004-05 is governed by Title 35-A, section 116, subsection 5.

SUMMARY

The purpose of this bill is to allow the Public Utilities Commission to maintain its ongoing responsibilities, including protecting Maine's consumers in regional and national proceedings. This bill increases the maximum funds that the commission may collect from utilities. This bill also allows the Public Utilities Commission to use unexpended funds remaining at the end of the prior year.