An Act To Improve Rural Utility Service through the Use of Microgrids
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA c. 39-A is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 39-A
MICROGRIDS
§ 3951. Microgrids
1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Microgrid" means a group of interconnected electricity loads and electric generation resources with clearly defined electrical boundaries that act as a single controllable entity with respect to the electric grid and that can connect and disconnect from the electric grid.
2. Rules. The commission shall adopt rules to regulate the creation and operation of microgrids. Rules must include standards relating to the connection of microgrids to transmission and distribution utilities. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules as described in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
3. Commission approval. The commission shall approve a petition to operate a microgrid if it finds the operation of the microgrid meets the requirements and standards established in rules adopted pursuant to subsection 2.
summary
This bill creates a new chapter in the laws concerning public utilities for microgrids and defines what constitutes a microgrid. It provides the Public Utilities Commission the authority to adopt major substantive rules to regulate the creation and operation of microgrids.