CHAPTER 45
H.P. 966 - L.D. 1312
Sec. 1. Public Utilities Commission examination. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission shall examine mechanisms designed to ensure a secure, adequate and reliable supply of electricity for state residents and to maintain and increase the State's use of renewable and indigenous resources. In particular, the commission shall examine mechanisms that would provide adequate support for indigenous Maine generation facilities, including, but not limited to, hydroelectric facilities with a capacity of 30 megawatts or less, biomass generators and hydrogen-based fuel cell generators. The commission shall develop an analysis that articulates, to the extent possible, the cost of achieving the various goals and the most effective forms of each of the following support mechanisms:
1. A renewable portfolio requirement, similar in design to the current requirement under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 3210, with appropriate modifications to ensure that it is both effective and permits a reasonable estimate of the cost to consumers;
2. A system benefits charge, with clearly articulated mechanisms for collecting and disbursing funds;
3. A mechanism that would use purchases from Maine's renewable generators to satisfy a portion of standard offer supply, with appropriate specificity for how such purchases would affect consumer prices, by and from whom purchases would be made, for what period of time any renewable portion of the standard offer supply should be offered and the impact on other features of Maine's electricity markets, including in particular the standard offer and the activities of competitive suppliers; and
4. Mechanisms used in other states and whether such mechanisms could be adapted for use in Maine; and be it further
Sec. 2. Consultation. Resolved: That, in conducting its examination, the Public Utilities Commission shall consult with entities with expertise or substantial interest in the subject of the examination, including, but not limited to, the Public Advocate, an organization representing independent renewable energy producers in Maine, an organization representing industrial energy consumers, an environmental advocacy group in Maine and representatives of transmission and distribution utilities; and be it further
Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission shall submit the results of its examination, together with any proposed legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy by December 31, 2003. The commission's analysis must present consensus positions where possible and alternatives where agreement can not be reached; and be it further
Sec. 4. Authority to report legislation. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy may report out legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature on the subject matter of the Public Utilities Commission's examination.
Effective September 13, 2003, unless otherwise indicated.
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