An Act Regarding the Public Utilities Commission's Ability To Use Certain Funds
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3210, sub-§7, as amended by PL 2009, c. 329, Pt. B, §1, is further amended to read:
7. Information. The To the extent that funding is available, the commission shall inform electricity consumers in this State of the benefits of electricity generated in this State using renewable resources and of the opportunities available in this State to purchase electricity that is generated using those resources, including, but not limited to, the green power offer and other green power supply products and renewable energy credit products certified under section 3212-A. The commission may not promote any renewable resources over others. The commission may apply for, receive and expend grant money from the United States Department of Energy and other government agencies for this purpose. Notwithstanding section 3211-A, subsection 5, the commission also may use up to $100,000 per year from the conservation program fund established under section 3211-A, subsection 5 to support the purposes of this subsection. The commission may create or cause to be created a brand or logo to identify Maine renewable resources, including the green power offer and other green power supply products and renewable energy credit products certified under section 3212-A, to consumers. The commission shall register any mark or logo created pursuant to this subsection with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in accordance with Title 10, chapter 301-A, or both. Any brand or logo created pursuant to this subsection may only be used in accordance with the purposes of this subsection as approved by the commission.
Sec. 2. Authorized expenditures. During the 2-year period of calendar years 2011 and 2012, the Public Utilities Commission may expend an amount not to exceed $100,000 from the conservation program fund established under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 10110 for the purposes of Title 35-A, section 3210, subsection 7.
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 125th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.