Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3143 is enacted to read:

§3143.__Electric utility easements; periodic review

A transmission and distribution utility that owns transmission or distribution facilities located on an easement over property of another person shall:

1. Notice.__Provide to the owner of the property timely notice of any change in the ownership of the facilities located on the easement and any modification of the facilities or use of the facilities that will result in a permanent increase in the voltage transmitted through the facilities; and

2.__Opportunity to review.__At least once every 50 years and, for facilities constructed prior to the year 2001, at least once prior to January 1, 2003, send to the owner of the property a written notice offering the owner an opportunity to review with the utility the current use of the facilities and any changes in the facilities or their use over the preceding 50 years.

SUMMARY

This bill requires a transmission and distribution utility that owns transmission or distribution facilities located on an easement over property of another person to provide to the owner of the property notice of any change in the ownership of the facilities located on the easement and any modification of the facilities or use of the facilities that involves a permanent increase in the voltage carried over the facilities. It also requires the utility at least once every 50 years and, for facilities constructed prior to the year 2001, at least once prior to January 1, 2003, to offer the owner of the property an opportunity to review with the utility the current use of the facilities and any changes in the facilities or their use over the preceding 50 years.