132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 307		LR 1521(03)
	An Act Regarding Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2025-26	FY 2026-27	Projections  FY 2027-28	Projections  FY 2028-29
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$0	$95,000	$0	$0
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$0	$95,000	$0	$0
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$0	$201,608	$0	$0
Revenue
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$0	$201,608	$0	$0
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill requires the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to convene the Maine Data Center Coordination Council to evaluate planning considerations for data center development in the State and submit a report of its findings. DOER has indicated that these responsibilities will require additional resources. The bill includes a one-time General Fund appropriation of $95,000 in fiscal year 2026-27 to DOER for contracted technical and facilitation support.
	The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has indicated that implementing the exemption review process established in this bill will require additional resources. The bill includes a one-time Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $201,608 in fiscal year 2026-27 for contracted consulting services.
	Because the Public Utilities Commission is funded through assessments on regulated utilities set to recover its authorized budget, any increase in expenditures associated with the activities authorized by this bill may result in increased assessments on regulated utilities, including the potential use of a special assessment to generate the required revenue.
	Additional costs to state agencies for participation in the council are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.