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MaineLD 1726132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Enhance the Coordination and Effectiveness of Integrated Distribution Grid Planning

Sponsored By: Walter Runte (Democratic)

Became Law

ELECTRIC UTILITIESELECTRIC UTILITIES - PLANNING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Clear definitions for advanced grid tech

Starting February 1, 2026, an “advanced conductor” means a power line with at least 10% lower electrical resistance than similar existing lines. “Grid‑enhancing technology” uses the same meaning already in state law. These definitions guide future utility plans and reviews.

Shared energy forecasting across agencies

The state energy office uses, when possible, the same forecasting method as the comprehensive state energy plan. The office shares that method so other state agencies can align their planning.

Utility grid plans add analysis and input

Beginning February 1, 2026, utilities must file grid plans with deeper forecasts and technical studies. Plans must cover electrification, efficiency, and local solar and storage, plus hosting capacity and expected plant retirements. They must analyze advanced conductors, grid‑enhancing tech, and low‑voltage sensors, and assess environmental and equity impacts. The Public Utilities Commission posts each filing for at least 60 days of public comment. The commission can order fixes and use the filings and comments in rate cases and to design and run competitive bids to optimize grid capacity.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Walter Runte

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Christopher Kessler

    Democratic • House

  • Kilton Webb

    Democratic • House

  • Mark W. Lawrence

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mathew McIntyre

    Republican • House

  • Melanie Sachs

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole C. Grohoski

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sophia Warren

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 94 • No: 82

Senate vote • 6/5/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 19 • No: 13

House vote • 6/4/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 75 • No: 69

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 293

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/9/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  4. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator LAWRENCE of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 364 Yeas 19 - Nays 13 - Excused 3 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-438) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-438) in concurrence.

    6/5/2025Senate

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative SACHS of Freeport, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 318(Yeas 75 - Nays 69 - Absent 7 - Excused 0)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-438) 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-438). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/4/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY in concurrence

    4/17/2025Senate

  7. Committee 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.

    4/17/2025House

Bill Text

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