130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1959 LR 2562(03)
An Act To Ensure Transmission and Distribution Utility Accountability
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 $896,542 $2,724,115 $2,405,412
Revenue
Other Special Revenue Funds $0 $896,542 $2,728,115 $2,405,412
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
This bill may increase the number of civil suits filed in the court system. The additional workload associated with the minimal number of new cases filed in the court system does not require additional funding at this time.  The collection of additional filing fees may increase General Fund revenue by minor amounts.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill establishes new performance standards for transmission and distribution utilities operating in the State and creates new oversight responsibilities for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The bill includes ongoing allocations of $696,542 starting in fiscal year 2022-23 for 6 Utility Analyst positions, 5 Staff Attorney positions and associated All Other costs. The bill also includes allocations of $200,000 in fiscal year 2022-23 for contracted services related to the additional reporting requirements outlined in the bill. The anticipated cost of these contracted services will be $850,000 in fiscal 2023-24 and $450,000 in fiscal year 2024-25. The PUC is funded by an assessment set to produce sufficient revenue for the expenditures allocated by the Legislature for operating the PUC. The increased allocations in this bill require a corresponding increase in revenue from the assessment on transmission and distribution utilities.