127th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 237		LR 559(02)
	An Act To Address Recommendations from the Report by the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability Regarding the Public Utilities Commission
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2015-16	FY 2016-17	Projections  FY 2017-18	Projections  FY 2018-19
Appropriations/Allocations
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$111,749	$109,858	$115,729	$121,074
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The bill establishes a Consumer Advisor position within the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) to advise members of the using and consuming public regarding participation in proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission. The bill includes an Other Special Revenue Funds allocation in fiscal years 2015-16 and 2016-17 of $111,749 and $109,858, respectively, for the position plus support costs. The position was previously established by Financial Order as a Limited Period position and is set to end on June 30, 2015. The OPA has indicated that it already has sufficient resources available to fund the allocation.
	The Governor's Proposed Budget for the 2016-2017 Biennium also includes $111,749 in fiscal year 2015-16 and $109,858 in fiscal year 2016-17 in the Public Advocate program within the OPA to establish this Consumer Advisor position. If this bill is enacted the budget initiative will not be necessary.