The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is responsible for designing a program or programs to encourage the development of front of the meter (FTM) distributed energy resources (DER) in the state, pursuant to 35-A MRS section 3209-I and Public Law 2025 Chapter 430 section 14. By law, DOER is required to submit the proposed program to the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) by September 30, 2026. If the PUC finds that the program or programs proposed by DOER provide benefits to ratepayers in the State in excess of any costs to ratepayers, the PUC will implement the program or programs.
“Front of the meter distributed energy resource” means an electric generating facility that uses a renewable fuel or technology – including but not limited to solar, fuel cells, biomass, and hydroelectric generators in accordance with section 3210, subsection 2, paragraph B3, is located in the service territory of a transmission and distribution utility in the State, and is interconnected to the distribution grid on the utility side of a customer's utility meter.
During program development, DOER must consider the following factors:
- The marginal benefit to ratepayers in the State of the time value of generation and the location of generation.
- Reasonable compensation rates specific to a distributed energy resource's size and generation type.
- The development and use of a compensation model based on the value of distributed energy resources.
- Opportunities for a load reducer program for commercial customers.
- Incentivizing energy storage that provides benefits to ratepayers in the State; and
- Necessary changes to utility rate structure, billing systems, data collection or metering to implement the program.
The Department’s previous work, including the Distributed Generation Stakeholder Group report and the Energy Storage Market Assessment, will be used to inform program design.
Request for Proposals
DOER is seeking proposals for expert consultants to assist in the development and program design of a front of the meter distributed energy resources program proposal pursuant to 35-A MRS section 3209-I. A copy of the RFP and all related documents can be obtained through Vendor Self Service (VSS), search for RFP # 202601010. Proposals must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services, via VSS. Proposal submissions must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., local time, on March 6, 2026 at 4pm.
Public Engagement
Stakeholders and the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the program’s development, including the chance to review and comment on a draft proposal. To receive news related to this proposal, including opportunities to provide your input, opt-in to the DOER general newsletter here.