Maine lawmakers pass bill that would boost renewables 10% by 2017

Maine lawmakers pass bill that would boost renewables 10% by 2017

Portland, Maine (Platts)--24May2006

The Maine Legislature has passed an energy bill that calls for increasing
Maine's renewable energy resources 10% by 2017.

The bill, approved by lawmakers Tuesday, also would allow energy
conservation and energy efficiency programs to compete in Maine's standard
offer supply requests for proposals on an equal footing with power generators.

The bill is backed by Governor John Baldacci, who is expected to sign it.

The bill also establishes a panel that will advise the Legislature on
energy issues. The panel is expected to examine possible changes to Maine's
current restructured utility system.

To support the goal of adding 1% of new renewable generation a year
until 2017, the Maine Public Utilities Commission can direct utilities to
enter into renewable and energy efficiency long-term contracts, as long as
the deals are at prices at or below forward prices over the term of the
contract. The contracts must be three to 20 years long.

Under the bill, the PUC will set minimum energy efficiency standards
for commercial and consumer appliances.

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