Resolve, Regarding On-bill Financing Programs for Energy Efficiency

Sec. 1. On-bill financing. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission shall examine options for and the feasibility of establishing an on-bill financing program for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency measures and energy-efficient technologies by small businesses. The commission may also consider on-bill financing options for residential electricity customers. The examination must include, but is not limited to:

1. Consultation with the Maine Small Business Development Centers;

2. A review of on-bill financing programs that have been established in other states;

3. An analysis of how on-bill financing could be integrated with the existing energy efficiency programs administered by the commission; and

4. An analysis of relevant policy and program implementation issues, including, but not limited to, participant eligibility requirements, incentives for participation, efficiency measures and technologies covered by the program, loan terms and conditions, risks for ratepayers and utilities, credit and collection issues, administrative costs and options for tying the loan to the property or electricity meter; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report; authority for legislation. Resolved: That, by January 15, 2010, the Public Utilities Commission shall submit to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy a report of its findings and recommendations pursuant to section 1. After receipt and review of the report, the committee may submit legislation concerning the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.