Whereas, regional transmission systems are undergoing comprehensive restructuring that will have a significant and lasting impact upon competition in electricity markets and upon the costs faced by consumers of electricity in the State; and

Whereas, important decisions regarding regional transmission systems are already being made in the context of substantive litigation and negotiations; and

Whereas, the attention to and oversight of these proceedings by the Legislature and the Public Utilities Commission are vital to protect the interest of the State's electric consumers; 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, be it

Sec. 1. Study authorized. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of the State's transmission and distribution utilities' joining a regional transmission organization that includes northern Maine and portions of Canada. In conducting its study, the commission shall invite the participation of interested parties; and be it further

Sec. 2. Regional transmission organization governance. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission shall require that any regional transmission organization joined by the State's transmission and distribution utilities have a governance structure that provides for voting participation of consumers.

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

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a study of the feasibility of the State's transmission and distribution utilities' participation in a regional