An Act to Increase Contingency Reserves for Maine's Consumer-owned Electric Transmission and Distribution Utilities
Sponsored By: John Ducharme (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Bigger utility reserves, guardrails for ratepayers
Maine consumer-owned electric utilities now have a higher reserve cap: 40% of yearly revenues above operating needs. The 40% calculation excludes purchased power costs. The Public Utilities Commission can approve a higher percentage. A year-end balance cannot exceed the allowed target; any excess must lower future revenue needs when rates are set. Up to half of the reserve may be used for capital projects. Interest earned must stay in the reserve.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
John Ducharme
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Daniel Sayre
Democratic • House
Gregory Swallow
Republican • House
Trey L. Stewart
Republican • Senate
Joseph Rafferty
Democratic • Senate
Roger Albert
Republican • House
Steven Foster
Republican • House
Susan Bernard
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 214
6/9/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/2/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseReports ReadOn motion by Senator LAWRENCE of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-286) Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-286) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-286) in concurrence.
5/29/2025SenateReports READ.On motion of Representative SACHS of Freeport, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-286) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-286). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/28/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY in concurrence
4/1/2025SenateCommittee on Energy, Utilities and Technology suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/1/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-286), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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