An Act To Exempt Agricultural Fairs from the Assessment of Demand Charges for Electricity

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this legislation needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order to be in effect for the 2019 agricultural fair season; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3106  is enacted to read:

§ 3106.  Demand charge prohibited

A transmission and distribution utility may not assess a person or entity licensed to hold an agricultural fair in accordance with Title 7, section 83 a demand charge in connection with electric power or service provided for an agricultural fair. As used in this section, "demand charge" means the portion of a bill for electric power or service based on the amount of power a customer requires be available for use.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This bill provides that a transmission and distribution utility may not assess a person or entity licensed to hold an agricultural fair a demand charge in connection with electric power or service provided for an agricultural fair.