123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 267		LR 433(01)
	An Act To Ensure Proper Funding of the Public Utilities Commission
	Fiscal Note for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Bliss of South Portland
	Committee: Utilities and Energy
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds Current biennium revenue increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This legislation replaces the current annual assessment cap of $5,505,000 that can be charged to public utilities with language that allows the Public Utilities Commission to assess "sufficient revenue for expenditures allocated by the Legislature for operating the commission."  The Public Utilities Commission's budget request contained in LD 499, the Governor's proposed biennial budget, is $7,558,277 in fiscal year 2007-08 and $7,797,219 in fiscal year 2008-09.  The Commission has been using unexpended funds built up from previous assessments to meet ongoing expenditures that exceed revenues generated under the existing assessment cap.  These balances will no longer be available and the Commission will need to either change the cap or curtail its expenditures.  Eliminating the cap will allow the higher level of expenditures contained in the proposed budget.