An Act To Ensure the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund Continues To Promote Energy Efficiency and Benefit Maine Ratepayers
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §10109, sub-§3-B is enacted to read:
(1) Revenue in excess of $5 per carbon dioxide allowance received by the trust from the sale of carbon dioxide allowances, up to an aggregate limit of $3,000,000 per year, must be transferred to the commission for use by the commission for the benefit of affected customers in accordance with subsection 3-A; and
(2) Revenue received by the trust in excess of the amount transferred in accordance with subparagraph (1) must be transferred to the commission for distribution to Maine-based energy-intensive businesses, other than affected customers, up to an additional $3,000,000 annually.
For purposes of this subsection, "affected customer" has the same meaning as in subsection 3-A. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
SUMMARY
This bill reestablishes a ceiling that was repealed in 2013 on energy efficiency spending from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund; provides for transfers from the trust fund to Maine-based energy-intensive businesses, in addition to transfers to affected customers; requires that funds over a certain amount be distributed to ratepayers; and authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to adopt implementing rules.