127th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1221		LR 207(01)
	An Act To Enhance Energy Cost Reduction and Facilitate Heating Alternatives in furtherance of the Omnibus Energy Act
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Fredette of Newport
	Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Potential current biennium revenue increase - Efficiency Maine Trust Potential current biennium cost increase - Efficiency Maine Trust Transfer from Efficiency Maine Trust Current biennium cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	Under current law the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is allowed to require certain utilities to provide funding for electric conservation and efficiency programs administered by the Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT). The maximum amount that may be included in rates is 4% of transmission and distribution sales. This bill will change the maximum amount that may be included in rates to 4% of total retail electricity and transmission and distribution sales. The current cap is estimated to have allowed a maximum of $25,000,000 annually be collected and passed to the EMT and the PUC has already granted a rate increase of $18,500,000 for fiscal year 2015-16. The proposed cap in this bill is an estimated $59,000,000.
	The bill renames the Governor's Energy Office as the Maine Energy Office (MEO). It requires an annual transfer of $300,000 from the Efficiency Maine Trust to the MEO and establishes a Deputy Commissioner position to be appointed by the Governor. This bill will require Other Special Revenue Funds allocations to the MEO of $300,000 in each of fiscal years 2015-16 and 2016-17 for a new Deputy Commissioner position costing $90,483 in fiscal year 2015-16 and $92,340 in fiscal year 2016-17 and to fund certain activities relating to energy resources, planning and development.