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MaineLD 860132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Allow the Public Advocate to Obtain Information from Public Utilities, Competitive Electricity Providers and Standard-offer Service Providers

Sponsored By: Melanie Sachs (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ELECTRIC UTILITIESELECTRIC UTILITIES - DELIVERY

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Public Advocate gains utility oversight and data

Beginning May 29, 2025, the Public Advocate can review and investigate rates, service, and terms from utilities and electricity providers. This includes mergers, contracts with affiliates, and similar corporate actions. Utilities, standard-offer providers, and competitive providers must send the Office copies of reports they file with the Commission, unless the Office waives it in writing. The Office can ask the Commission for needed data, and the Commission can order providers to supply it for good cause. Confidential data can be shared under a protective order. In Commission cases, the Office has the same right as an intervenor to request information.

Public Advocate study on power rates

Beginning May 29, 2025, the Public Advocate must study rates and business practices of standard-offer and competitive electricity providers. The study must compare product types, services, and contract terms, including behind-the-meter services. The Office must get input from at least three competitive providers and one standard-offer provider. It must share at least one draft for comment and include all comments in an appendix. The final report is due to the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee by December 3, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Melanie Sachs

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Christopher Kessler

    Democratic • House

  • Kilton Webb

    Democratic • House

  • Mark W. Lawrence

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mathew McIntyre

    Republican • House

  • Nathan Wadsworth

    Republican • House

  • Sophia Warren

    Democratic • House

  • Steven Foster

    Republican • House

  • Valli Geiger

    Democratic • House

  • Walter Runte

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 123

    5/29/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

  3. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-204) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-204), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    5/22/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-204).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/22/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

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

    3/4/2025Senate

  8. 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.

    3/4/2025House

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (H-204), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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