AUGUSTA – Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, introduced two bills to address high energy costs in Maine last week before the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
Together, LD 2113 and LD 2112 would help lower costs for ratepayers by ensuring more accountability from utility providers, requiring adherence to a strategic long-term, cost-effective plan and allowing towns to purchase electricity for their residents at lower prices without taking over the responsibility of delivery and billing from utilities.
“These measures strategically address the unacceptably high costs of electricity in Maine,” said Runte. “Half of our electricity bills pay to keep our current infrastructure working, while the other half pays for the cost of generating electricity. LD 2113 would ensure that, as we build out our grid to meet new demand, we make best use of what is already there and incorporate new technologies that make the grid more efficient. LD 2112 would allow Maine towns to purchase electricity at potentially lower and more stable rates for their residents, in much the same way as towns now purchase electricity for municipal needs.”
LD 2113 would improve Maine’s electricity grid planning to create accountability around investments, including requiring existing infrastructure to be utilized before asking ratepayers to fund new projects that don’t take into consideration the best long-term, most cost-effective approach.
LD 2112 would give Maine towns more tools to reduce energy costs for residents by creating a community choice aggregation (CCA) program. This type of program, which would be subject to local approval, would give towns the option to secure electricity for residents based on local electricity priorities, such as securing the lowest price, long-term fixed prices or the percent of renewable energy procured, instead of relying on the annual purchase made by the Public Utility Commission. Ten states have authorized the creation of CCAs, including New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee will hold work sessions on each bill in the coming weeks.
Rep. Runte, a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, is serving his second term in the Maine House and represents Ogunquit, part of Wells and part of York.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Runte) | 305-965-2744