| 123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE | ||||||
| LD 134 | LR 763(01) | |||||
| An Act To Encourage the Use of Solar Energy | ||||||
| Fiscal Note for Original Bill | ||||||
| Sponsor: Sen. Bartlett of Cumberland | ||||||
| Committee: Utilities and Energy | ||||||
| Fiscal Note Required: Yes | ||||||
| Fiscal Note | ||||||
| Current biennium cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds | ||||||
| Fiscal Detail and Notes | ||||||
| This legislation authorizes the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to increase rebate levels for solar thermal systems to encourage consumer participation. Current law provides for a rebate of 25% of the cost of a solar thermal system or $1,250 whichever is less. Revising the rebate levels will increase expenditures within the fund. The bill does not change the assessments on transmission and distribution utilities that fund the program. The PUC has indicated that current particpation in the program has been less than expected and there are resources available in the fund to accommodate additional expenditures. The PUC has a proposed solar rebate budget of $500,000 in fiscal year 2007-08 and $250,000 in fiscal year 2008-09 contained in the Governor's 2008-09 Biennial Budget. | ||||||