MaineLD 1936132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act Regarding the Allocation of Net Energy Billing Costs and Long-term Contract Costs and Benefits

Sponsored By: Nicole C. Grohoski (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ALTERNATIVE ENERGYALTERNATIVE ENERGY - SOLAR ENERGY

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Utility gains cut net energy costs

If distributed generation gives a utility a money gain that is not already in rates, the commission must use it to cut net energy billing costs. This reduces the cost pool that customer classes must pay. Savings show up as lower charges than otherwise.

Electric rates set by statewide class

Beginning July 1, 2028, the commission groups similar customer classes across all investor‑owned utilities. It allocates net energy billing costs and long‑term contract costs and benefits to those statewide class groups. The commission sets cost allocations and rate designs for three‑year periods, with annual reconciliations. It must promote beneficial electrification when designing rates. Your bill may go up or down based on your class’s statewide share.

Stranded costs split by electricity use

The commission totals post‑restructuring stranded costs for investor‑owned utilities. Each customer class pays a share based on its share of statewide retail electricity use. This changes how much each class pays, so some bills rise and others fall.

Local project costs tracked and billed

The commission and each standard buyer set a public tracking process by rule. They review costs and benefits from clean energy procurements each year. Payments or bill credits to participants and revenues from power sales are included. These amounts are allocated to customers in the utility area where the project sits. If you live there, these charges or credits can appear on your bill.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nicole C. Grohoski

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Matt A. Harrington

    Republican • Senate

  • Sophia Warren

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 555

    3/9/2026
  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    3/5/2026Senate
  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/3/2026House
  4. Reports 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" (S-495) 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" (S-495). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/26/2026House
  5. COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-495).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    2/24/2026Senate
  6. Taken from the table by the President On motion by Senator LAWRENCE of York The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-495) Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-495) READ and ADOPTED.ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.

    2/12/2026Senate
  7. Reports READ On motion by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending ACCEPTANCE OF EITHER REPORT. Unfinished Business

    2/10/2026Senate
  8. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025Senate
  9. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/7/2025House
  10. Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    5/7/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (S-495), adopted by House & Senate

  • Enacted

  • Introduced

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