Resolve, Directing the Public Utilities Commission To Evaluate the Ownership of Maine's Power Delivery Systems

Sec. 1. Public Utilities Commission evaluation. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission shall evaluate the proposal for creation of the Maine Power Delivery Authority as presented in L.D. 1646, An Act To Restore Local Ownership and Control of Maine's Power Delivery Systems, referred to in this resolve as "the proposal." The evaluation must include but is not limited to:

1. Analysis of the costs and benefits, both short-term and long-term, of the proposal;

2. Examination of legal, regulatory, technical, financial and operational issues related to the proposal and its implementation;

3. Assessment of anticipated impacts, both positive and negative, of the proposal on the State, including but not limited to impacts on electricity rates, utility employees and ratepayers; and

4. Development of alternatives or amendments to the proposal to address any identified obstacles to its implementation.

The commission shall contract with an independent consultant or consultants with relevant expertise to assist the commission with the evaluation. For the purposes of this section, "relevant expertise" includes, but is not limited to, expertise in utility valuation and finance and other legal, regulatory, technical, financial and operational issues related to the proposal. The commission may seek public input and may consult with the Office of the Public Advocate and the Governor's Energy Office as needed to conduct the evaluation.

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than February 15, 2020, the Public Utilities Commission shall submit to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology a report on the evaluation required in section 1. The report must include results, findings and recommendations from the evaluation, including suggested amendments to the proposal and any other suggested legislation. The report must specify which aspects of the evaluation have been completed and which, if any, require further time and study.

Sec. 3. Funding. Resolved: That, notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 117, subsection 3, paragraph B, or any other provision of law to the contrary, the Public Utilities Commission shall use funds from the Public Utilities Commission Reimbursement Fund, established in Title 35-A, section 117, to carry out the requirements of this resolve.

Sec. 4. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Public Utilities - Administrative Division 0184

Initiative: Provides an allocation for the cost of consulting services needed to evaluate a proposal to create the Maine Power Delivery Authority.

OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS	2019-20	2020-21
All Other	$500,000	$0
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS TOTAL	$500,000	$0