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An Act To Provide an Energy Allowance to At-home Patients Using Ventilators
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3214, sub-§5, ¶A,  as enacted by PL 2005, c. 132, §1, is amended to read:
 
A.  The equitable-treatment program must be available to any person who:
 
(1) Is eligible for benefits under the transmission and distribution utility's low-income assistance program established in accordance with subsection 2; and
 
(2) Provides documentation from a doctor that the person for health reasons needs an oxygen pump or ventilator at least 8 hours each day.
Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §3214, sub-§5, ¶B,  as enacted by PL 2005, c. 132, §1, is amended to read:
 
B.  The equitable-treatment program must be designed to ensure that the low-income assistance benefits provided under this section to persons who qualify under paragraph A mitigate, to an extent that is reasonably equivalent in each transmission and distribution utility territory, electric charges associated with the operation of an oxygen pump or ventilator. The commission may not reduce any assistance provided under any low-income assistance program established under subsection 2 in order to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph.
 
SUMMARY
This bill provides similar treatment in the laws governing needs-based low-income assistance for low-income electricity consumers who use ventilators as is provided to those who use oxygen pumps.