125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 328 LR 806(01)
An Act To Move Propane Safety Oversight to the Maine Fuel Board
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Fitts of Pittsfield
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 Projections  FY 2013-14 Projections  FY 2014-15
Appropriations/Allocations
Other Special Revenue Funds $82,679 $37,748 $43,842 $50,300
Revenue
Other Special Revenue Funds $140,000 $140,000 $140,000 $140,000
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The Office of Licensing and Registration within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation will require additional Other Special Revenue Funds allocations of $140,596 in fiscal year 2011-12 and $119,717 in fiscal year 2012-13 for one full-time Inspector position and one half-time Office Specialist I position and related costs associated with the Propane and Natural Gas Board assuming the oversight responsibilities of certain propane facilities from the Public Utilities Commission.  This preliminary fiscal impact statement assumes an increase in dedicated revenue to the Board of approximately $140,000 per year from fees, projected to be capped at $175 per facility, that the Board will be allowed to assess and that an estimated 800 facilities will be added to the Board's jurisdiction.
Removing jurisdiction over propane gas systems from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will remove the need for one full-time utilities analyst position at the PUC with annual salary and benefits of $81,969.  The bill will require a deallocation for the position.