Resolve, To Make Home Heat Pumps Affordable

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

Whereas,  efficient electric heat pumps have proven to be a cost-effective and highly efficient method for heating homes; and

Whereas,  the initial cost of installing electric heat pumps can be a barrier to consumer adoption of this important technology and this barrier can be reduced by offering special discounted electric rates or other assistance to consumers who install and operate heat pumps in their primary residences; and

Whereas,  use of efficient electric heat pumps results in a more efficient use of the transmission and distribution system; and

Whereas,  waiting until the end of the 90-day period is not enough time to carry out the purposes of this resolve before the next heating season; 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. Public Utilities Commission may authorize heat pump assistance program. Resolved: That, upon application and in an adjudicatory proceeding, the Public Utilities Commission may authorize a transmission and distribution utility to purchase heat pumps for consumer use and offer special discounted electric rates or other assistance to make heat pumps more accessible to residents of the State.

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

SUMMARY

This resolve allows the Public Utilities Commission to authorize a transmission and distribution utility to purchase heat pumps for consumer use and offer special discounted electric rates or other assistance to make heat pumps more accessible to residents of the State.