Resolve, To Review Certification Requirements for Installation of Solar Energy Systems

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  during these hard economic times, solar and wind energy systems could alleviate financial hardships arising from the operation of heating and cooling systems for personal residences and businesses; and

Whereas,  this resolve would require a thorough review to ascertain that the State's requirements under the solar and wind energy rebate program are appropriate for ensuring proper installation of solar energy systems; and

Whereas,  this review must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to this legislative session; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Certification requirements reviewed. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, energy programs division shall review the qualifications required for a rebate for installation of solar energy systems under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 3211-C, subsection 2 and report whether those rebate program requirements are appropriate for ensuring proper installation of solar energy systems; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report and recommended actions to be made. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, energy programs division shall report its findings and recommendations under section 1, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy within 30 days of the effective date of this resolve. The Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy may introduce a bill to implement the recommendations to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This resolve directs the Public Utilities Commission, energy programs division to review the qualifications required for a rebate for installation of solar energy systems under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 3211-C, subsection 2 and report to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy with recommendations on whether those requirements are appropriate for ensuring proper installation of solar energy systems. The report is due within 30 days of the effective date of this resolve, and the committee is authorized to introduce a bill on this matter to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.