130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1913		LR 2295(02)
	An Act To Review Strategies for Improving Utility Rate Affordability and To Provide Utility Relief
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2021-22	FY 2022-23	Projections  FY 2023-24	Projections  FY 2024-25
Appropriations/Allocations
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$0	$100,000	$0	$0
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill establishes the Electric Ratepayer Advisory Council to make recommendations to the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) on methods to ensure access to affordable electricity. The OPA and Public Utilities Commission will provide administrative and staffing services to the council. The bill requires the OPA to submit an annual report on the council's activities and recommendations regarding access to affordable electricity. The bill includes a one-time allocation of $100,000 to the Public Advocate Regulatory Fund in fiscal year 2022-23 for the cost of contracted services to develop the report within the reporting timeline established in the bill.
	Additional costs to the Maine State Housing Authority, the Governor's Energy Office and the Efficiency Maine Trust associated with the director or the director's designee serving on the council can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.