Source: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_124th/chapters/PUBLIC372.asp
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 13:59:18+00:00

Document:
Sec. A-2. 5 MRSA §949, sub-§1, ¶D-1, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 482, §4, is repealed.
Sec. A-3. 5 MRSA §3327, as amended by PL 2007, c. 656, Pt. C, §§3 to 5, is repealed.
Sec. A-4. 5 MRSA §12004-G, sub-§13-F, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 317, §1, is repealed.
Sec. A-5. 5 MRSA §12004-I, sub-§20-B, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 317, §2, is repealed.
Sec. A-6. 35-A MRSA §3211-A, as amended by PL 2007, c. 317, §§3 to 13, is repealed.
Sec. A-7. 35-A MRSA §3211-C, as amended by PL 2009, c. 88, §1, is repealed.
Sec. A-8. 35-A MRSA §4711, as amended by PL 2009, c. 122, §17, is repealed.
Sec. A-9. 35-A MRSA c. 95, as amended, is repealed.
Sec. A-10. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1, 2010.
This chapter may be known and cited as "the Efficiency Maine Trust Act."
C. Monitoring and enforcing contractual obligations.
2. Administration fund. "Administration fund" means the administration fund established pursuant to section 10103, subsection 5.
3. Alternative energy resources. "Alternative energy resources" means nonfossil fuel energy resources, including, but not limited to, biomass, wood, wood pellets and solar, wind or geothermal resources.
4. Board. "Board" means the Efficiency Maine Trust Board.
5. Director. "Director" means the Director of the Efficiency Maine Trust.
6. Forward capacity market. "Forward capacity market" means the program established by the regional transmission organization that is in effect on the effective date of this subsection and compensates providers of electrical capacity with payments for the availability or reduction of capacity as determined by the regional transmission organization.
7. Program funds. "Program funds" means any of the funds established pursuant to this chapter, other than the administration fund, to fund Efficiency Maine Trust programs.
8. Regional transmission organization. "Regional transmission organization" means the independent systems operator that administers and oversees the wholesale electricity markets in which the State participates.
9. Triennial plan. "Triennial plan" means the plan required under section 10104, subsection 4.
10. Trust. "Trust" means the Efficiency Maine Trust established in section 10103.
11. Trustee. "Trustee" means a member of the board.
D. Actively promote investment in cost-effective energy efficiency measures and systems that use alternative energy resources that reduce overall energy costs for consumers in the State.
Nothing in this chapter is intended or may be construed to constitute a mandate that would prevent the sale of carbon emission reductions into a voluntary carbon market.
2. Governance; board. The trust is governed by the independent Efficiency Maine Trust Board, established in Title 5, section 12004-G, subsection 10-C, in accordance with this section.
(3) Seven members appointed by the Governor, reviewed by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters and approved by the Senate. Among these 7 members must be persons who adequately represent the interests of commercial energy consumers, industrial energy consumers, small business energy consumers, residential energy consumers and low-income energy consumers; among these members must be persons with knowledge of and experience in financial matters and consumer advocacy and who possess substantial management expertise or knowledge of or experience with conservation fund programs, carbon reduction programs or energy efficiency or climate change policy. The requirements of this subparagraph may be met through the appointment of one or more persons who satisfy more than one of the requirements, as long as at any one time the 7 members include among them members who adequately represent the identified interests and who posses the required knowledge, expertise and experience.
Appointed trustees serve 3-year terms. If an appointed trustee is unable to complete the term, the Governor shall appoint a replacement for the remainder of the unexpired term.
B. The board shall elect a chair, a vice-chair, a secretary and a treasurer from among the members. Each officer serves for a one-year term and is eligible for reelection.
C. A majority of the trustees constitutes a quorum.
D. The board may elect an executive committee of not fewer than 5 trustees who, in intervals between meetings of the board, may transact such business of the trust as the board may authorize from time to time.
C. May delegate to employees of the trust any powers and duties that the director considers proper.
4. Program funding. The board may apply for and receive grants from state, federal and private sources for deposit into appropriate program funds. The board may deposit in appropriate program funds the proceeds of any bonds issued for the purposes of programs administered by the trust. The board may receive and shall deposit in appropriate program funds revenue resulting from any forward capacity market or other capacity payments from the regional transmission organization that may be attributable to projects funded those by funds. The board may also deposit any grants or other funds received by or from any entity with which the trust has an agreement or contract pursuant to this chapter if the board determines that receipt of those funds is consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
5. Administration fund. The board shall establish an administration fund to be used solely to defray administrative costs. The trust may annually deposit funds authorized to be used for administrative costs under this chapter into the administration fund. Any interest on funds in the administration fund must be credited to the administration fund and any funds unspent in any fiscal year must either remain in the administration fund to be used to defray administrative costs or be transferred to program funds.
1. Generally. In accordance with this section and other applicable law, the trust administers and disburses funds and coordinates programs to promote energy efficiency and increased use of alternative energy resources in the State. The trust is responsible for accounting for, evaluating and monitoring all activities of the trust and all programs funded in whole or in part by the trust.
D. Sufficient checks and balances are provided to ensure consistency with public policy and accountability for meeting the principles set out in paragraphs A to C so that energy efficiency programs in the State are sustainable for the long term.
3. Measures of performance. The trust shall develop quantifiable measures of performance for all programs it administers and to which it will hold accountable all recipients of funding from the trust and recipients of funds used to deliver energy efficiency and weatherization programs administered or funded by the trust. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, reduced energy consumption, increased use of alternative energy resources, reduced capacity demand for natural gas, electricity and fossil fuels, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, program and overhead costs and cost-effectiveness, the number of new jobs created by the award of trust funds, the number of energy efficiency trainings or certification courses completed and the amount of sales generated.
4. Triennial plan. The board shall vote on a detailed, triennial, energy efficiency, alternative energy resources and conservation plan that includes the quantifiable measures of performance developed under subsection 3 and make a full report of the vote to the commission in accordance with this subsection. The triennial plan must provide integrated planning, program design and implementation strategies for all energy efficiency, alternative energy resources and conservation programs administered by the trust, including but not limited to the electric efficiency and conservation programs under section 10110, the natural gas efficiency and conservation programs under section 10111, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund under section 10109, the Heating Fuels Efficiency and Weatherization Fund under section 10119 and any state or federal funds or publicly directed funds accepted by or allocated to the trust for the purposes of this chapter. The triennial plan must include provisions for the application of appropriate program funds to support workforce development efforts that are consistent with and promote the purposes of the trust. The plan must be consistent with the comprehensive state energy plan pursuant to Title 2, section 9, subsection 3, paragraph C.
A. The triennial plan must be developed by the trust, in consultation with entities and agencies engaged in delivering efficiency programs in the State, to authorize and govern or coordinate implementation of energy efficiency and weatherization programs in the State.
(1) Transmission and distribution utilities and natural gas utilities shall furnish data to the trust that the trust requests under this subsection subject to such confidential treatment as a utility may request and the board determines appropriate pursuant to section 10106. The costs of providing the data are deemed reasonable and prudent expenses of the utilities and are recoverable in rates.
B. In developing the triennial plan, the staff of the trust shall consult the board and provide the opportunity for the board to provide input on drafts of the plan.
C. The board shall review and approve the triennial plan by affirmative vote of 2/3 of the trustees upon a finding that the plan is consistent with the statutory authority for each source of funds that will be used to implement the plan, the state energy efficiency targets in paragraph F and the best practices of program administration under subsection 2. The plan must include, but is not limited to, efficiency and conservation program budget allocations, objectives, targets, measures of performance, program designs, program implementation strategies, timelines and other relevant information.
D. Prior to submission of the triennial plan to the commission, the trust shall offer to provide a detailed briefing on the draft plan to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters and, at the request of the committee, shall provide such a briefing and opportunity for input from the committee. After providing such opportunity for input and making any changes as a result of any input received, the board shall deliver the plan to the commission for its review and approval. The commission shall open a proceeding and issue an order either approving the plan or rejecting the plan and stating the reasons for the rejection. The commission shall reject elements of the plan that propose to use funds generated pursuant to sections 10110, 10111 or 10119 if the plan fails to reasonably explain how these elements of the program would achieve the objectives and implementation requirements of the programs established under those sections or the measures of performance under subsection 3. Funds generated under these statutory authorities may not be used pursuant to the triennial plan unless those elements of the plan proposing to use the funds have been approved by the commission. The commission shall approve or reject any elements of the triennial plan within 60 days of its delivery to the commission. The board, within 15 days of final commission approval of its plan, shall submit the plan to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters together with any explanatory or other supporting material as the committee may request and, at the request of the committee, shall provide a detailed briefing on the final plan. After receipt of the plan, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters may submit legislation relating to the plan.
E. The trust shall determine the period to be covered by the triennial plan except that the period of the plan may not interfere with the delivery of any existing contracts to provide energy efficiency services that were previously procured pursuant to efficiency and conservation programs administered by the commission.
(8) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the heating and cooling of buildings in the State by amounts consistent with the State's goals established in Title 38, section 576.
The trust shall preserve when possible and appropriate the opportunity for carbon emission reductions to be monetized and sold into a voluntary carbon market. Any program of the trust that supports weatherization of buildings must be voluntary and may not constitute a mandate that would prevent the sale of emission reductions generated through weatherization measures into a voluntary carbon market.
D. The performance of the trust and individual programs and program delivery agents or service providers in meeting the objectives, targets and measures of performance approved by the commission and contained in the triennial plan.
The report must be approved by the board before the report is presented to the commission and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters.
6. Updated plans. Within 30 days of completion of the annual report under subsection 5, the director shall submit to the board an annual update plan describing any significant changes to the triennial plan under subsection 4 related to program budget allocations, goals, targets, measures of performance, program designs, implementation strategies, timelines and other relevant information for the year ahead for all funds administered and managed by the trust. The director or any contractor, grantee or agency delivering programs may not execute any significant changes until the changes are approved by the board and, in the case of significant changes to programs using funds generated by assessments under this chapter, until the changes are also approved by the commission using the same standard as for the triennial plan.
All annual update plans must be presented to the commission and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters.
7. Certification. The board shall by rule establish certification standards for energy auditors, installers of energy efficiency measures or other service providers that provide services under programs administered by the trust. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
8. Approval of Maine State Housing Authority plans. After July 1, 2010, the Maine State Housing Authority, prior to applying for federal funds on behalf of the State pursuant to Title 30-A, section 4741, subsection 15 for weatherization, energy conservation and fuel assistance pursuant to the Weatherization Assistance for Low-income Persons Program administered through the United States Department of Energy and the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program administered through the United States Department of Health and Human Services, shall submit to the board for its review and input the authority's implementation plans for the use of such funds. The plans must provide for coordination by the Maine State Housing Authority in its use of such funds with the programs administered by the trust under this chapter. The Maine State Housing Authority shall include in its plans any recommendations of the board to the extent the recommendations are consistent with the applicable federal guidelines governing the use of the funds.
9. Coordination with other entities. Consistent with the requirements of this chapter and other applicable laws, the board shall coordinate with the activities and programs of state agencies and authorities that relate to the purposes of this chapter in order to align such activities and programs with the plans and programs of the trust. For purposes of this subsection, activities and programs of state agencies and authorities that relate to the purposes of this chapter include but are not limited to energy efficiency programs relating to state facilities administered by the Department of Financial and Administrative Services, Bureau of General Services, the adoption, amendment and maintenance of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code by the Technical Building Codes and Standards Board, established in Title 5, section 12004-G, subsection 5-A within the Department of Public Safety, energy efficiency or green energy workforce development activities of the Department of Labor or the Maine Jobs Council and energy efficiency and weatherization programs administrated by the Maine State Housing Authority.
10. Independent analysis of programs. The trust shall arrange for an independent evaluation of each major program implemented under this section. Each major program must be evaluated at least once every 5 years. The evaluation must include an accounting audit of the program and an evaluation of the program's effectiveness in meeting the goals of this section. The evaluations must be conducted by a competent professional with expertise in energy efficiency matters, including the management of cost-effective energy efficiency programs. The trust shall include the results of all evaluations conducted under this subsection in the annual report submitted pursuant to subsection 5. For purposes of this subsection, "major program" means a program with an annual budget of more than $500,000.
11. Other duties. The trust shall do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the lawful purposes of the trust.
1. Funds. The trust shall administer programs and funds in accordance with this chapter and other applicable laws.
2. Efficiency Maine projects; bonds. The board shall propose, develop and approve revenue bond projects as Efficiency Maine projects under Title 10, section 963-A, subsection 10-A.
3. Bylaws. The trust shall adopt bylaws, through the board, consistent with this section for the governance of its affairs.
4. Purchasing agent rules. Notwithstanding Title 5, section 1831, the trust is not subject to rules adopted by the State Purchasing Agent in selecting service providers pursuant to this chapter. The trust shall consider delivery of programs by means of contracts with service providers that participate in competitive bid processes for providing services within individual market segments or for particular end uses.
B. Provisions for the independent evaluation of program expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness of projects to improve energy efficiency or to reduce greenhouse gases.
Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
6. Self-dealing prohibited. In the operation or dissolution of the trust, no part of the net earnings of the trust may benefit any trustee, officer or employee except that the trust may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and otherwise hold, manage and dispose of its property in furtherance of the purposes of the trust.
7. Recommendations; advisory groups. The trust may make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature and other public officials regarding energy efficiency, weatherization and renewable energy programs. The trust may establish technical advisory groups as needed for the purposes of gathering technical knowledge on any aspect of energy conservation or policy.
The proceedings of the board and records of the trust are subject to the freedom of access laws, Title 1, chapter 13, except as specifically provided in this subsection.
B. A financial statement or tax return.
The trust shall provide to a legislative committee, on written request signed by the chairs of that committee, any information or records, including information designated confidential under this subsection, specified in the written request. The information or records may be used only for the lawful purposes of the committee and in any action arising out of any investigation conducted by it.
C. Impersonal, statistical or general information.
F. Pursuant to a subpoena, request for production of documents, warrant or other order by competent authority, as long as any such order appears to have first been served on the person to whom the confidential information sought pertains or belongs and as long as any such order appears on its face or otherwise to have been issued or made upon lawful authority.
Each trustee is an "executive employee" for purposes of Title 5, sections 18, 18-A and 19. A trustee or employee of the trust or a spouse or dependent child of any of those individuals may not receive any direct personal benefit from the activities of the trust in assisting any private entity. This section does not prohibit corporations or other entities with which a trustee is associated by reason of ownership or employment from participating in program activities with the trust if ownership or employment is made known to the board and the board or director abstains from voting on matters relating to that participation.
All officers, directors, employees and other agents of the trust entrusted with the custody of funds of the trust or authorized to disburse the funds of the trust must be bonded either by a blanket bond or by individual bonds with a minimum limitation of $100,000 coverage for each person covered by the bond or bonds, or equivalent fiduciary liability insurance, conditioned upon the faithful performance of their duties. The premiums for the bond or bonds must be paid out of the assets of the trust.
A. "Carbon dioxide allowance" has the same meaning as in Title 38, section 580-A, subsection 2.
B. "Trade association aggregator" means an entity that gathers individual members of a trade association together for the purpose of receiving electrical efficiency services or bidding on electrical efficiency contracts.
C. "Trust fund" means the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund established in subsection 2.
2. Establishment of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund is established and is the successor to the fund that was established under former section 10008. The trust fund is established to support the goals and implementation of the carbon dioxide cap-and-trade program established under Title 38, section 580-B. The trust fund is established as a nonlapsing fund administered by the trust for the purposes established in this section. The trust is authorized to receive, and shall deposit in the trust fund and expend in accordance with this section, revenue resulting from the sale of carbon dioxide allowances, pursuant to Title 38, section 580-B, and any forward capacity market or other capacity payments from the regional transmission organization that may be attributable to projects funded by the trust under this section. The trust fund may not be used for any other purpose and money in the trust fund is considered to be held in trust for the purposes of benefiting consumers.
A. The trustees have a fiduciary duty to the customers of the State's transmission and distribution utilities in the administration of the trust fund. Upon accepting appointment as a trustee, each trustee must acknowledge the fiduciary duty to use the trust fund only for the purposes set forth in this section.
B. The trustees shall ensure that the goals and objectives of the trust fund, as established in this section and in rules adopted by the trust, are carried out. The trustees shall represent the interests of the trust fund in the development of the triennial plan.
3. Ceiling on energy efficiency spending. There is established a ceiling on energy efficiency spending from the trust fund equal to $5 per carbon dioxide allowance. Until that price ceiling is adjusted or removed, only the first $5 of each carbon dioxide allowance sold and deposited in the trust fund may be awarded to or directed to qualified projects for purposes of energy efficiency improvements. While the ceiling is in place, revenue received by the trust from an allowance valued above $5 must be transferred to the commission for use by the commission pursuant to sections 301 and 1322 for rebates to electric ratepayers calculated on a per-kilowatt-hour basis. The commission shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. The rules must establish a system under which proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide allowances may be returned to electric ratepayers as direct credits on their bills at times of heightened price pressure in regional carbon dioxide allowance markets due to an extraordinary circumstance. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
4. Expenditures; projects. The trust fund must be expended in accordance with this subsection.
(2) Reliably reduce the consumption of electricity in the State at the lowest cost in funds from the trust fund per kilowatt-hour saved.
B. Expenditures from the trust fund relating to conservation of electricity and mitigation or reduction of greenhouse gases must be made predominantly on the basis of a competitive bid process for long-term contracts, subject to rules adopted by the board under section 10105. Rules adopted by the board to implement the competitive bid process under this paragraph may not include an avoided cost methodology for compensating successful bidders. Bidders may propose contracts designed to produce greenhouse gas savings or electricity conservation savings, or both, on a unit cost basis. Contracts must be commercially reasonable and may require liquidated damages to ensure performance. Contracts must provide sufficient certainty of payment to enable commercial financing of the conservation measure purchased and its installation.
C. The board may target bid competitions in areas or to participants as they consider necessary, as long as the requirements of paragraph A are satisfied.
D. Nonelectric savings programs must be used to maximize fossil fuel energy efficiency and conservation and associated greenhouse gas reductions, subject to the apportionment between fossil fuel and electricity conservation set forth in paragraph A.
E. The size of a project funded by the trust fund is not limited as long as funds are awarded to maximize energy efficiency and support greenhouse gas reductions and to fully implement the triennial plan.
(2) Costs of the Attorney General for activities pertaining to the tracking and monitoring of allowance trading activity and managing and evaluating the trust's funding of conservation programs.
G. In order to minimize administrative costs and maximize program participation and effectiveness, the trustees shall, to the greatest extent feasible, coordinate the delivery of and make complementary the energy efficiency programs under this section and other programs under this chapter.
H. The trust shall consider delivery of efficiency programs by means of contracts with service providers that participate in competitive bid processes for reducing energy consumption within individual market segments or for particular end uses.
I. A trade association aggregator is eligible to participate in competitive bid processes under this subsection.
J. Trust fund receipts may fund research approved by the Department of Environmental Protection in an amount of up to $100,000 per year to develop new categories for carbon dioxide emissions offset projects, as defined in Title 38, section 580-A, subsection 6, that are located in the State. Expenditures on research pursuant to this paragraph are not considered administrative costs under paragraph F.
5. Effective date. This section takes effect July 1, 2010.
A. "Administrative costs" means costs of the trust that are funded pursuant to and associated with the implementation of this section, including, but not limited to, costs of program planning and evaluation, costs of securing necessary expertise, costs associated with contract formation and administration and costs of monitoring and enforcing contractual obligations.
B. "Administration fund" means the conservation administration fund established by the trust pursuant to subsection 8.
C. "Conservation programs" means programs developed by the trust pursuant to this section designed to reduce inefficient electricity use.
D. "Prior conservation efforts" means programs to promote conservation undertaken at the direction or with the authorization of the commission prior to March 1, 2002.
E. "Program fund" means the conservation program fund established by the trust pursuant to subsection 7.
F. "Service provider" means a public or private provider of energy conservation services or an entity selected by the trust to contract with such providers or otherwise arrange the delivery of conservation programs.
G. "Trade association aggregator" means an entity that gathers individual members of a trade association together for the purpose of receiving electrical efficiency services or bidding on electrical efficiency contracts.
2. Programs. The trust shall develop and implement conservation programs to help reduce energy costs for electricity consumers in the State by the maximum amount possible. The trust shall establish and, on a schedule determined by the trust, revise objectives and an overall energy strategy for conservation programs. Conservation programs implemented by the trust must be consistent with the objectives and an overall energy strategy developed by the trust and approved by the commission and be cost-effective, as defined by the board by rule. In defining "cost-effective," the board may consider the extent to which a program promotes sustainable economic development or reduces environmental damage to the extent the board can quantify or otherwise reasonably identify such effects. Consistent with the other requirements of this section, the trust, in adopting and implementing conservation programs, shall seek to encourage efficiency in electricity use, provide incentives for the development of new, energy-efficient business activity in the State and take into account the costs and benefits of energy efficiency and conservation to existing business activity in the State.
(5) Reduce total energy costs for electricity consumers in the State by increasing the efficiency with which electricity is consumed.
(3) To the greatest extent practicable, apportion remaining funds among customer groups and geographic areas in a manner that allows all other customers to have a reasonable opportunity to participate in one or more conservation programs.
C. The trust shall hold at least one public hearing and invite, accept, review and consider comments and suggestions from interested parties prior to adopting or substantially revising conservation programs or the objectives and overall strategy for conservation programs.
D. The trust shall monitor conservation planning and program development activities in the region and around the country.
E. The trust shall implement conservation programs by contracting with service providers in accordance with subsection 3.
F. The trust shall monitor and evaluate the delivery of conservation programs by service providers and assess the cost-effectiveness of programs in meeting the objectives and overall strategy established by the trust.
G. The trust, to the extent possible, shall coordinate its efforts with other agencies of the State with energy-related responsibilities.
(3) Any other reasonable means developed by the trust.
I. The trust may coordinate its efforts under this section with similar efforts in other states in the northeast region and enter into agreements with public agencies or other entities in or outside of the State for joint or cooperative conservation planning or conservation program delivery, if the trust finds that such coordination or agreements would provide demonstrable benefits to citizens of the State and be consistent with this section, the conservation programs and the objectives and overall strategy for the conservation programs.
J. The trust shall encourage school facility managers to complete an energy efficiency training and certification program established and conducted by the trust under this section. To the extent the trust determines necessary and appropriate to meet the goals of this paragraph, the trust may, in accordance with the requirements of this section, establish incentive mechanisms to encourage participation in this program. For purposes of this paragraph, "school facility managers" means persons employed by school administrative units in this State who are responsible for the design or operation of school administrative unit facilities or the heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems or equipment used in such facilities.
3. Implementation. The trust shall seek to implement the delivery of conservation programs in all regions of the State on an equitable basis and to citizens at all income levels. The trust may arrange the delivery of conservation programs by contracting with service providers. The trust shall select service providers in accordance with this subsection.
A. The trust shall select service providers through a competitive bidding process.
B. To the extent practicable, the trust shall encourage the development of resources, infrastructure and skills within the State by giving preference to in-state service providers.
(2) For the delivery of conservation programs to low-income residential consumers, the commission, without employing a competitive bidding process, may use the delivery system for the Weatherization Assistance for Low-income Persons Program administered through the United States Department of Energy and the network of for-profit and not-for-profit entities who have held contracts with transmission and distribution utilities to deliver conservation services to low-income and residential customers.
In accordance with section 10105, the trust is not subject to rules adopted by the State Purchasing Agent in selecting service providers pursuant to this subsection. The board shall adopt rules establishing procedures governing the selection of service providers under this subsection. The board shall consult with the State Purchasing Agent in developing the rules.
A trade association aggregator is eligible to participate in competitive bid processes under this subsection.
4. Funding level; base assessment. The commission shall assess transmission and distribution utilities to collect funds for conservation programs and administrative costs in accordance with this subsection and shall make other assessments in accordance with subsection 5. The amount of all assessments by the commission under this subsection plus expenditures of a transmission and distribution utility associated with prior conservation efforts must result in conservation expenditures by each transmission and distribution utility, not including expenditures on assessments under subsection 5, that are fixed at a rate of 0.145 cent per kilowatt-hour.
D. Any other predictable sources of funding for or investment in conservation programs.
For the purposes of this subsection, "gross operating revenue" means revenue derived from filed rates, except from sales for resale. The commission may correct any errors in the assessments under this subsection by means of a credit or debit to the following year's assessment rather than reassessing all utilities in the current year. The commission shall determine the assessments under this subsection annually prior to May 1st and assess each utility for its pro rata share for expenditure, including funds for energy conservation programs, during the fiscal year beginning July 1st. The commission may not charge any assessment under this subsection until the Legislature has approved the commission's budget in accordance with section 116. The commission shall separately identify any recommended assessment under this subsection in its presentation of budget recommendations contained in any current services budget legislation and any supplemental budget legislation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over public utilities matters pursuant to section 116. Each utility shall pay the assessment charged to that utility under this subsection on the same schedule that payment of assessments under subsection 4 is required.
6. Transmission and subtransmission voltage level. After July 1, 2007, electricity customers receiving service at transmission and subtransmission voltage levels are not eligible for new conservation programs undertaken under this section, and those customers are not required to pay in rates any amount associated with the assessment imposed on transmission and distribution utilities under subsection 4 or subsection 5. To remove the amount of the assessment under subsection 4, the commission shall reduce the rates of such customers by 0.145 cent per kilowatt-hour. For the purposes of this section, "transmission voltage levels" means 44 kilovolts or more, and "subtransmission voltage levels" means 34.5 kilovolts.
7. Conservation program fund. The trust shall establish a conservation program fund to be used solely for conservation programs.
A. The commission shall deposit all assessments collected pursuant to this section, other than funds deposited in the administration fund, into the program fund.
B. Any interest earned on funds in the program fund must be credited to the program fund.
C. Funds not spent in any fiscal year remain in the program fund to be used for conservation programs.
D. The commission or the trust may apply for and receive grants from state, federal and private sources for deposit in the program fund and also may deposit in the program fund any grants or other funds received by or from any entity with which the commission or trust has an agreement or contract pursuant to this section if the commission receives prior written consent from the trust that receipt of those funds would be consistent with the purposes of this section. If the commission or trust receives any funds pursuant to this paragraph, it shall establish a separate account within the program fund to receive the funds and shall keep those funds and any interest earned on those funds segregated from other funds in the program fund.
8. Conservation administration fund. The trust shall establish a conservation administration fund to be used solely to defray administrative costs. The commission, at the direction of the trust, may annually deposit funds collected pursuant to this section into the administration fund up to a maximum in any fiscal year of up to 9% of total funds received pursuant to subsections 4 and 5. Any interest on funds in the administration fund must be credited to the administration fund and any funds unspent in any fiscal year must either remain in the administration fund to be used to defray administrative costs or be transferred to the program fund.
9. Prior conservation efforts. Except as otherwise directed by the commission, transmission and distribution utilities shall continue to administer contracts associated with prior conservation efforts. Such contracts may not be renewed, extended or otherwise modified by transmission and distribution utilities in a manner that results in any increased expenditures associated with those contracts.
10. Funds held in trust. All funds collected from electricity consumers pursuant to this section are collected under the authority and for the purposes of this section and are deemed to be held in trust for the purposes of benefiting electricity consumers. In the event funds are not expended or contracted for expenditure within 2 years of being collected from consumers, the commission shall return the value of those funds to consumers by appropriate reductions in the assessment collected pursuant to subsection 4.
11. Resolution of disputes. Upon receipt of an appropriate filing by a party to a contract relating to prior conservation efforts, the commission shall adjudicate a dispute relating to the interpretation or administration of the contract by the transmission and distribution utility.
In the case of a dispute filed after April 5, 2002, the commission shall refer the dispute to commercial arbitration in accordance with this paragraph. Each party to the contract shall select an arbitrator who is not a current employee of the party. The selected arbitrators shall then select a 3rd arbitrator. If the arbitrators cannot agree on the 3rd arbitrator, each party shall submit to the commission a list of at least 3 arbitrators who have no previous or current interest in the contract and, to the extent practicable, have special competence and experience with respect to the subject matter involved in the dispute. The commission shall choose the 3rd arbitrator from among the persons on the lists provided by the parties. After their selection, the arbitrators shall promptly hear and determine the controversy pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association for the conduct of commercial arbitration proceedings, except that if such rules conflict with any procedural rules established by the commission or applicable provisions of the laws of this State relating to arbitration, the applicable commission rules or provisions of state law govern the arbitration. The arbitrators shall submit their decision to the commission.
A. The commission shall accept or reject the decision within 30 days of its submission, unless the commission requires additional time, in which case it may extend its review for another 30 days.
B. If the commission does not reject the decision within 30 days or, if it extends its review period an additional 30 days, within 60 days, the decision is deemed accepted.
C. If the commission rejects the decision, the commission shall adjudicate the dispute.
A decision by the commission under this subsection, including a decision by the arbitrators that is deemed accepted by the commission pursuant to paragraph B, is enforceable in a court of law.
12. Ratemaking and cost recovery. The assessments charged to transmission and distribution utilities under this section are just and reasonable costs for rate-making purposes and must be reflected in the rates of transmission and distribution utilities.
13. Rules. The trust shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. Rules adopted under this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
14. Effective date. This section takes effect July 1, 2010.
1. Program established. In accordance with the goals and objectives of the triennial plan, the trust shall establish a cost-effective conservation program to promote the efficient use of natural gas. Each gas utility in the State that serves at least 5,000 residential customers shall contribute data and other relevant information to assist in the development of the program. In determining whether the program is cost-effective, the trust may consider whether it promotes sustainable economic development or reduces greenhouse gas emissions to the extent the trust can quantify or otherwise reasonably identify such effects. The trust shall seek to encourage efficiency in natural gas use, provide incentives for the development of new, energy-efficient business activity in the State and take into account the cost and benefits of energy efficiency and conservation to existing business activity in the State.
(3) Promotes sustainable economic development and reduces environmental damage.
(3) To the greatest extent practicable, the remaining available funds are apportioned in a manner that allows all other consumers to have a reasonable opportunity to participate in one or more conservation programs.
2. Funding level. The natural gas conservation fund, which is a nonlapsing fund, is established to carry out the purposes of this section. The commission shall assess each gas utility that serves at least 5,000 residential customers an amount that is no less than 3% of the gas utility's delivery revenues as defined by commission rule. In accordance with the triennial plan, the commission may assess a higher amount. All amounts collected under this subsection must be transferred to the natural gas conservation fund. Any interest on funds in the fund must be credited to the fund. Funds not spent in any fiscal year remain in the fund to be used for the purposes of this section.
The assessments charged to gas utilities under this section are just and reasonable costs for rate-making purposes and must be reflected in the rates of gas utilities.
All funds collected pursuant to this section are collected under the authority and for the purposes of this section and are deemed to be held in trust for the purposes of benefiting natural gas consumers. In the event funds are not expended or contracted for expenditure within 2 years of being collected from consumers, the commission shall return the value of those funds to consumers by appropriate reductions in the assessment collected pursuant to this subsection.
Rules adopted by the commission under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
3. Rules. The trust may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. Rules adopted by the trust under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
4. Effective date. This section takes effect July 1, 2010.
A. "Qualified solar energy system" means a solar photovoltaic system or a solar thermal system.
B. "Qualified solar thermal water system installer" means a person who has been certified by the trust to install solar thermal systems designed to heat water and who holds a current license from the State as a master plumber, as a master oil burner technician or as a propane and natural gas technician or has been certified as a type II, type III or universal heating, ventilation and air conditioning refrigeration technician through a certification program approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
C. "Qualified wind energy system" means any device, such as a wind charger, windmill or wind turbine and associated facilities, with a peak generating capacity of 100 kilowatts or less that converts wind energy to electrical energy for use primarily in a residence, public facility or place of business that is located in an area with demonstrated wind power potential.
D. "Solar photovoltaic system" means a solar energy device with a peak generating capacity of 100 kilowatts or less used for generating electricity for use in a residence or place of business.
E. "Solar thermal system" means a configuration of solar collectors and a pump, heat exchanger and storage tank or fans designed to heat water or air for the purpose of space heating, domestic water heating or both space and domestic water heating. Solar thermal system types include forced circulation, integral collector storage, thermosyphon and self-pumping systems.
2. Solar and wind energy rebate program. To the extent that funds are available in the fund established in subsection 5 and the requirements of subsection 3 are satisfied, an owner or tenant of residential or commercial property located in the State is entitled to a rebate for a qualified solar energy system that is installed in accordance with this subsection after July 1, 2005 that will be connected to the electrical grid or a qualified wind energy system that is installed in accordance with this subsection after January 1, 2009 that will be connected to the electrical grid. The trust shall set rebate levels for qualified solar energy systems and qualified wind energy systems. In setting rebate levels, the trust may consider market demand for qualified solar energy systems and qualified wind energy systems, program implementation experience and other factors relevant to the solar and wind energy rebate program.
A. To qualify for a rebate, a solar photovoltaic system must be installed by a master electrician who has been certified by a North American board of certified energy practitioners or by a master electrician working in conjunction with a person who has been certified by a North American board of certified energy practitioners.
B. To qualify for a rebate, a solar thermal system designed to heat water must be installed by a qualified solar thermal water system installer and, if the solar thermal system is designed to heat potable water, it must be installed by a qualified solar thermal water system installer who holds a current license as a master plumber or by a qualified solar thermal water system installer working in conjunction with a master plumber.
C. To qualify for a rebate, the electrical components of a qualified wind energy system must be installed by a master electrician or by a factory-trained and approved dealer for the qualified wind energy system working under the supervision of a master electrician.
In the case of a newly constructed residence, the rebate must be available to the original owner or occupant.
3. Energy audit requirement; solar photovoltaic system. To qualify for a rebate for a solar photovoltaic system under this section, an owner or tenant of residential or commercial property located in the State must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the trust that an energy audit has been completed.
4. Limitation to residents of State. Participation in the solar and wind energy rebate program established in this section is limited to residents of the State.
5. Funding. The commission shall assess transmission and distribution utilities to collect funds for the solar and wind energy rebate program established in this section. The amount of all assessments by the commission under this subsection must result in total program expenditures by each transmission and distribution utility that do not exceed 0.005 cent per kilowatt-hour. To the extent practicable, the commission shall establish and collect the assessment in a manner that is consistent with the assessment made under section 10110. There is established a solar and wind energy rebate program fund to be used by the trust solely for the purposes of this section. All assessments made under this section must be transferred to the solar and wind energy rebate program fund. Any interest on funds in the fund must be credited to the fund. Funds not spent in any fiscal year remain in the fund to be used for the purposes of this section. The trust shall determine the allotment of the fund in each fiscal year between solar photovoltaic system rebates, solar thermal system rebates and qualified wind energy system rebates, with a minimum of 20% of the fund provided to each of the 3 types of rebates.
6. Effective date. This section takes effect July 1, 2010.
7. Repeal. This section is repealed December 31, 2010.
G. Shall determine an appropriate means of maintaining recognition of the training received by persons holding certificates issued pursuant to former section 10002 or former Title 32, chapter 87.
2. Qualifications for installing solar equipment. A certificate of completion issued by the trust pursuant to subsection 1 does not exempt the holder from any applicable licensing requirements for activities involved in installing solar equipment, including but not limited to licensing requirements established in Title 32, chapter 17 or 49.
3. Effective date. This section takes effect July 1, 2010.
H. Shall recognize other established training programs that offer certification consistent with the trust's energy auditor training standards.
2. Effective date. This section takes effect July 1, 2010.
B. Other federally funded programs and projects related to trust programs.
1. Program and fund. The trust shall establish the Energy Conservation Small Business Revolving Loan Program, referred to in this subsection as "the program," and the Energy Conservation Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, referred to in this subsection as "the fund." The fund consists of federal capitalization grants and awards made to the State for the purposes for which the fund is established; any amounts that the trust deposits in the fund from the assessment on transmission and distribution utilities pursuant to section 10110 or from other program funds, to the extent that use of such funds for the program will be consistent with the requirements governing the use of such funds; principal and interest received from the repayment of loans made from the fund; any interest earned on investment of fund balances; and other funds from any public or private source received for the purposes for which the fund is established. The fund is a nonlapsing revolving fund account.
A. The trust shall credit all repayments of loans made to businesses, including interest, penalties and other fees and charges related to fund loans, to the fund account.
B. Money in the fund not needed to meet the current obligations of the program must be deposited with the Treasurer of State to the credit of the fund account and may be invested in such manner as is provided by law. Interest received on that investment must be credited to the fund account.
C. At the end of each fiscal year, all unencumbered balances in the fund account may be carried forward to be used for the purposes specified in this subsection.
1. Residential energy efficiency disclosure statement. The trust and the Maine State Housing Authority shall prepare a residential energy efficiency disclosure statement form for landlords and other lessors of residential properties to use to disclose to tenants and lessees information about the energy efficiency of the property in order to comply with Title 14, section 6030-C. The trust and the Maine State Housing Authority shall post and maintain the statement form required by this subsection on the Internet in a format that is easily accessible by the public.
2. Suggested energy efficiency standards. The trust and the Maine State Housing Authority shall prepare suggested energy efficiency standards for landlords and other lessors of residential property that is used by a tenant or lessee as a primary residence. The trust and the Maine State Housing Authority shall post and maintain the standards required by this subsection on the Internet in a format that is easily accessible by the public.
C. The members of the public who would most benefit from the information.
2. Funding. The trust may seek federal funding for the purposes of this section and, to the extent necessary, may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of training or other services provided pursuant to this section. All fees must be paid to the trust and used to reimburse the trust for its expenses in providing the service for which the fee is charged.
F. Any other funds from public or private sources received in support of the purposes for which the fund is established.
The trust may annually deposit funds received pursuant to this section into the administration fund, to a maximum in any fiscal year of 10% of the revenues received under this section.
2. Program. All funds deposited in the fund must be administered by the trust in accordance with the following.
(1) By 2030, to provide cost-effective energy efficiency and weatherization measures to substantially all homes and businesses whose owners wish to participate in programs established by the trust under this section.
B. Funds from the fund may be used only for programs that provide cost-effective energy efficiency and weatherization measures for the benefit of heating fuel customers or to efficiency service providers serving those customers and in accordance with the following.
(3) Cost-effective energy efficiency measures must include measures that improve the energy efficiency of energy-using systems, such as heating and cooling systems, through system upgrades or conversions, including conversions to energy-efficient systems that rely on renewable energy sources or systems that rely on effective energy efficiency technologies.
(4) A system for the equitable allocation of costs among the contributing funds or subaccounts administered by the trust when more than one efficiency opportunity is identified.
D. Other eligible program measures may include, but are not limited to, training or certification of energy auditors, insulation installers, mechanical heating system installers and maintenance technicians and building energy inspectors.
3. Rulemaking. The board may adopt rules to implement this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
1. Measures of performance. The trust shall incorporate measures of performance in the triennial plan. The measures of performance must define the electricity, natural gas and heating fuel savings targets established in section 10104, subsection 4, paragraph F and specify the measures for assessing progress in meeting the targets. The commission shall ratify measures of performance incorporated in the triennial plan if it finds that these measures satisfy the requirements of this chapter, including the principles described in section 10104, subsection 2, and are in the public interest. The commission and the trust may revise one or more of the measures of performance in the triennial plan at any time by mutual agreement.
2. Regulation. The trust may not expend any funds from assessments made under this chapter until the commission approves the triennial plan. The commission upon recommendation of the Public Advocate or the Attorney General may open an investigation of practices or acts of the trust. If the commission, upon investigation, finds that the trust has failed to comply with any requirement of this chapter or other requirements of law in the use or expenditure of any funds from assessments made under this chapter, the commission may issue an appropriate order directing the trust to take necessary actions to bring the trust into compliance with the law and may suspend or limit the authority of the trust to expend or encumber any funds derived from assessments made under this chapter until the commission finds the trust has come into compliance with the law. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
3. Oversight and evaluation fund. The commission may establish an oversight and evaluation fund to be used solely to defray the commission's projected costs of overseeing the trust, including but not limited to reviewing and approving the triennial plan and contracting with expert 3rd-party resources to provide technical assistance or impartial evaluation of the performance of energy efficiency programs administered by the trust. The commission may assess the trust an amount not to exceed 1% of the total funds administered by the trust, and the trust shall transfer that amount to the commission to be deposited into the oversight and evaluation fund. Any interest on funds in the oversight and evaluation fund must be credited to the oversight and evaluation fund and any funds unspent in any fiscal year must either remain in the oversight and evaluation fund to be used for the purposes specified in this subsection or be transferred to the trust for deposit in appropriate program funds.
7. Allocation of carbon dioxide emissions allowances. The department shall allocate 100% of the annual carbon dioxide emissions allowances for public benefit to produce funds for carbon reduction and energy conservation, as specified in Title 35-A, section 10008 10109. Except as provided in subsection 8, the department shall sell the carbon dioxide emissions allowances at public auction, in accordance with rules adopted under subsection 4. Revenue resulting from the sale of allowances must be deposited in the Energy and Carbon Savings Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund established under Title 35-A, section 10008 10109.
7-A. Voluntary renewable energy market set-aside. The department shall set aside a portion of the State's annual carbon dioxide emissions budget in a voluntary renewable market set-aside account. The allowances from this account must be retired in an amount equal to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by the voluntary purchase of eligible renewable energy credits by persons in the State up to the amount held in the set-aside account. For purposes of this subsection, "eligible renewable energy credits" means renewable energy credits generated within the states that are participating in the regional greenhouse gas initiative.
Before February 1, 2010, the portion of the State's annual carbon dioxide emissions budget that is set aside in a voluntary renewable market set-aside account pursuant to this subsection may not exceed 2% of that budget. The department shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities and energy matters by January 15, 2010 as to whether that 2% cap is appropriate. By January 31, 2010, the Energy and Carbon Savings Efficiency Maine Trust, established under Title 35-A, section 10008 10103, in consultation with the department, shall establish the cap on the portion of the State's annual carbon dioxide emissions budget that is set aside in a set-aside account.
G. The revenues and expenditures of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund, established pursuant to Title 35-A, section 10109.
The department and the trustees of the Energy and Carbon Savings Efficiency Maine Trust may include in the report any proposed changes to the program established under this chapter.
The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources matters may submit legislation relating to areas within the committee's jurisdiction in connection with the program. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities and energy matters may submit legislation relating to areas within the committee's jurisdiction in connection with the program.
C. A Legislator who is now or later may be entitled to retirement benefits under Title 3, chapter 29.
Sec. C-2. Transition. The following provisions apply to the establishment of the Efficiency Maine Trust pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, chapter 97.
1. Board appointed. Within 30 days of the effective date of this Act, the Governor shall post nominations for the appointment of the members of the Efficiency Maine Trust Board. As soon as practicable after Senate confirmation of board members the board shall appoint the Director of the Efficiency Maine Trust, and within 90 days of the board members' confirmation the board shall establish bylaws.
2. Staggered terms. Notwithstanding Title 35-A, section 10103, subsection 2, in making the initial appointments of members to the Efficiency Maine Trust Board pursuant to section 10103, subsection 2, paragraph A, the Governor shall appoint 2 members to serve an initial term of one year, 2 members to serve an initial term of 2 years and 3 members to serve an initial term of 3 years. Members appointed to initial 3-year terms must include persons who represent the interests of business consumers and individual consumers.
3. Triennial plan. The Director of the Efficiency Maine Trust shall hire or contract staff as needed to support the Efficiency Maine Trust and to prepare the triennial plan according to Title 35-A, section 10104 for commission approval by July 1, 2010. The Efficiency Maine Trust may study existing rules, conduct research, appoint technical advisory groups and hold public meetings in preparation for transitioning to the new structure and to support the development of the triennial plan.
4. Interim budget. The Director of the Efficiency Maine Trust shall prepare a budget for the period retroactive to the director's first day of employment to July 1, 2010 and submit it to the Efficiency Maine Trust Board for approval. The Efficiency Maine Trust Board shall submit the approved budget to the Public Utilities Commission, which shall provide full funding for the activities indicated in the budget from the Public Utilities Commission Reimbursement Fund established under Title 35-A, section 117. Use of such funds for such purposes is deemed by the Legislature to be consistent with the purposes of the Public Utilities Commission Reimbursement Fund. The commission and the Efficiency Maine Trust may enter into any arrangements necessary to achieve a smooth and efficient transition under this Act.
5. Rules. On July 1, 2010, all rules adopted by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Title 35-A, section 3210, subsection 5 and Title 35-A, sections 3211-A, 3211-C and 4711 and Title 35-A, chapter 95 and rules adopted by the Energy and Carbon Savings Trust pursuant to Title 35-A, section 10008 are deemed to be rules of the Efficiency Maine Trust and continue in effect until amended or rescinded by the Efficiency Maine Trust.
6. Contracts. All contracts of the Public Utilities Commission entered into pursuant to Title 35-A, sections 3211-A and 3211-C and Title 35-A, chapter 95 remain in effect, and the commission shall administer those contracts in accordance with the law in effect at the time the contracts were entered into except as otherwise may be directed by the Efficiency Maine Trust. On July 1, 2010, the Efficiency Maine Trust is the successor to the conservation programs managed under the name Efficiency Maine at the Public Utilities Commission. Contracts that are in place on July 1, 2010 may be extended for up to 2 years, subject to the approval of the trust, in order to maintain a smooth transition to the new program structure.
7. Transfer of funds. All accrued expenditures, assets, liabilities, balances or appropriations, allocations, transfers, revenues or other available funds in an account or subdivision of an account pertinent to energy efficiency, energy conservation or renewable energy programs must be transferred to the corresponding account in the Efficiency Maine Trust by July 1, 2010. After July 1, 2010, fees that are collected under Title 35-A, chapter 97 must be transferred to the Efficiency Maine Trust on a monthly basis.
8. Program staff and contracting. The Director of the Efficiency Maine Trust shall hire program management staff and contract for services to implement this Act. In hiring and contracting, the director shall give preference to state employees and contractors who were employed by the Public Utilities Commission and working on energy efficiency and renewable energy programs as of June 30, 2009.
9. Employees of the Public Utilities Commission. Employees of the Public Utilities Commission energy efficiency or renewable energy programs on June 30, 2009 who accept employment with the Efficiency Maine Trust may, at their option, elect whether to continue as state employees or to work under new agreements. Other persons who accept employment with the Efficiency Maine Trust prior to July 1, 2010 who were state employees immediately prior to accepting such employment may, at their option, elect whether to continue as state employees or to work under new agreements. Persons who accept employment with the Efficiency Maine Trust and who elect to remain state employees under this subsection retain their employee rights, privileges and benefits, including sick leave, vacation and seniority, provided under the Civil Service Law or collective bargaining agreements. Persons who accept employment with the Efficiency Maine Trust and who elect to remain state employees under this subsection remain members of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System as long as they continue as state employees, and the Efficiency Maine Trust shall reimburse the State for all costs related to employees who elect to remain state employees, including the employer's share of contributions to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. Positions of employees who remain state employees under this subsection are terminated when vacated by those employees, unless filled by other persons eligible to remain state employees under this subsection who elect to remain state employees. Positions similar to those terminated may be established by the Efficiency Maine Trust. For employees who are not offered or who do not accept employment at the Efficiency Maine Trust, the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Human Resources shall provide employment assistance. Nothing in this Act may be construed to interfere with the rights of employees of the Efficiency Maine Trust to organize for collective bargaining purposes in accordance with applicable law.
10. Records. All records pertaining to duties that are performed by the Public Utilities Commission and are transferred to the Efficiency Maine Trust effective July 1, 2010 must be transferred to the Efficiency Maine Trust by July 1, 2010.
11. Property and equipment. All property and equipment pertaining to the duties that are performed by the Public Utilities Commission and are transferred to the Efficiency Maine Trust effective July 1, 2010 must be transferred to the Efficiency Maine Trust by July 1, 2010.
12. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Funds that are allocated to the State pursuant to the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5 prior to July 1, 2010 to programs or funds that are repealed in Part A of this Act must be transferred by July 1, 2010 to the corresponding funds or programs established in Part B of this Act. The Public Utilities Commission staff shall cooperate with, consult with and jointly plan with the Director of the Efficiency Maine Trust for the expansion of existing programs and establishment of new programs related to new funding for the state energy program resulting from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5.
13. Adoption of state standards. In accordance with Title 35-A, section 10104, subsection 7 and section 10114, before January 1, 2012 the Efficiency Maine Trust Board shall adopt certification standards for energy auditors, installers of energy efficiency measures and other service providers that provide services under programs administered by the trust. The board shall review and use any standards developed by the Public Utilities Commission as the starting point for standards it adopts.
14. Heating fuel weatherization and efficiency program. The Efficiency Maine Trust Board, in consultation with stakeholders, shall develop a proposed heating fuel weatherization and efficiency program to implement Title 35-A, section 10119 and appropriate funding mechanisms. In developing proposed funding mechanisms, the board shall consider a comprehensive list of options, including, but not limited to, a system benefits charge on #2 heating oil, kerosene and propane; bonds; federal funds and grants; funds in the Energy and Carbon Savings Trust Fund; General Fund appropriations; and potential revenues from the leasing of state-owned lands for energy facilities. To the extent the proposal includes a system benefits charge, it must include specific assessment and collection mechanisms and amounts for the funding options identified, identification of the appropriate entities to be assessed and provisions for appropriate exceptions and rebates, including, but not limited to, exceptions or rebates for vulnerable consumers. The proposal must also include recommendations for any appropriate changes to the assessment on natural gas under Title 35-A, section 10111 as a result of the establishment of the system benefits charge. The board shall identify changes in the proposed program and funding mechanism that would be required to obtain all achievable cost-effective energy efficiencies and alternative energy resources as identified by studies conducted by the trust and others. By the first Monday in January 2011, the board shall submit its proposal together with draft legislation to implement the proposal to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities and energy matters, which, after receiving the report, may submit legislation relating to a heating fuel weatherization and efficiency program and the ongoing sustainable funding mechanism that will support the realization of the State’s energy efficiency and alternative energy resources goals.
T. An Efficiency Maine project.
10-A. Efficiency Maine project. "Efficiency Maine project" means a project approved by the Efficiency Maine Trust Board, as established in Title 5, section 12004-G, subsection 10-C, to carry out the purposes of Title 35-A, chapter 97 relating to increasing energy efficiency or conservation.
(10) Whether the Northern Maine Transmission Corporation, as established in section 9202, has recommended the project.
Upon request by the authority, state agencies, including but not limited to the Public Utilities Commission, shall provide necessary assistance to the authority in evaluating the feasibility of the project and its importance for northern Maine. In providing assistance, the Public Utilities Commission shall consider whether the proposed project enhances the competitiveness of the wholesale and retail energy market; how the proposed project is likely to affect energy prices for Maine residents; whether the proposed project will augment or enhance the reliability and stability of the grid; and whether there is likely to be a long-term need for the product as produced by the proposed project.
The authority may establish, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2, application procedures, approval criteria and reasonable fees for transmission facilities projects. Rules adopted by the authority under this paragraph are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. In addition, the authority may require the applicant to pay the reasonable costs of an evaluation of the project risks by an independent consultant. If the authority directs the applicant to pay for such an independent evaluation of the project, the authority shall make every reasonable effort, in its discretion, to minimize the cost of the evaluation and any delay such an evaluation may cause in authority action.
M. In the case of an Efficiency Maine project, as defined in section 963-A, subsection 10-A, there is a reasonable likelihood that the income, proceeds, revenues and funds of Efficiency Maine Trust derived from or held for activities under Title 35-A, chapter 97 or otherwise pledged to payment of the bonds will be sufficient to pay the principal, the interest and all other amounts that may at any time become due and payable under the bonds. In making this determination, the authority shall consider Efficiency Maine Trust's analysis of the proposed bond issue and the revenues to make payments on the bonds and may require such information, projections, studies and independent analyses as it considers necessary or desirable and may charge Efficiency Maine Trust reasonable fees and expenses. The authority may require that it be indemnified, defended and held harmless by Efficiency Maine Trust for any liability or cause of action arising out of or with respect to the bonds. The principal and interest of bonds must be made payable solely from the income, proceeds, revenues and funds of Efficiency Maine Trust derived from or held for activities under Title 35-A, chapter 97 or other provision of law. Payment of the principal and interest of bonds may be further secured by a pledge of a loan, grant or contribution from the Federal Government or other source in aid of activities of Efficiency Maine Trust under Title 35-A, chapter 97.
1. Authority. "Authority" means the Maine State Housing Authority.
2. Fund. "Fund" means the Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Fund established in section 4863.
3. Program. "Program" means the Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Program established in section 4862.
1. Operator of program. The Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Program is established. The authority shall operate the program. The program may be operated in conjunction with other programs of the authority.
F. Reduce the State's greenhouse gas emissions, lower dependence on foreign oil and ease the energy burden on households in the State by increasing the energy efficiency of housing in the State.
D. At least 10% to the replacement of manufactured housing units that do not meet the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations under 24 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 3280.
In designing and implementing the program, the authority shall provide for the needs of rural communities through flexible standards for development size and income eligibility. No more than 30% of program resources may be allocated to projects of all types under these flexible standards.
The Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Fund is established under the jurisdiction and control of the authority. The fund is nonlapsing and may be invested in the same manner as permitted for investment of other state funds.
F. In any other reasonable manner to support the purposes of the program.
D. Any other money available to the authority and directed by the authority to be paid into the fund.
3. Fund as security. Money in the fund may, in whole or in part, be pledged or transferred and deposited as security for and applied in payment of principal of, interest on or redemption premiums on bonds issued under section 4864 for the purposes of this subchapter.
4. Division of fund. The authority may divide the fund into any separate accounts that it finds necessary to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter.
5. Reporting. Not later than March 1, 2011 and March 1st of each year thereafter, the director of the authority shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over affordable housing matters on the status of the fund. The report must include, but is not limited to, the amount of revenue bonds issued under this subchapter, the type, location and cost of projects receiving bond proceeds, the number of housing units created by each project, the number of direct construction jobs created or maintained by each project, the amount of direct construction wages paid in creating or maintaining those jobs and the total amount of building materials purchased in the development of each project.
Beginning in fiscal year 2010-11, pursuant to its authority under this chapter, the authority may issue revenue bonds from time to time, to be known as Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Fund revenue bonds, to carry out the purposes of the program. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the authority may have in the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Fund revenue bonds up to but not exceeding $200,000,000, excluding refunding bonds. The authority may issue in any fiscal year revenue bonds under this subchapter in an amount of $30,000,000 or more, as determined appropriate by the authority for the purposes of the program.
Sec. E-2. 36 MRSA §4641-B, sub-§4, as repealed and replaced by PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. WW, §2, is repealed.
4-A. Distribution of State's share of proceeds. The State Tax Assessor shall pay all net receipts received pursuant to this section to the Treasurer of State and shall at the same time provide the Treasurer of State with documentation showing the amount of revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 1 and the amount of revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 2.
(2) Credit an additional $3,320,000 of the revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 1 to the General Fund, after which the Treasurer of State shall pay on a monthly basis the remaining revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 1 to the Maine State Housing Authority, which shall deposit the funds in the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund created in Title 30-A, section 4853.
(2) Credit an additional $3,720,000 of the revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 1 to the General Fund, after which the Treasurer of State shall pay on a monthly basis the remaining revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 1 to the Maine State Housing Authority, which shall deposit the funds in the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund created in Title 30-A, section 4853.
C. In fiscal year 2011-12, the Treasurer of State shall credit the revenues derived from the tax imposed pursuant to section 4641-A, subsection 1 in accordance with this paragraph.
(1) At the beginning of the fiscal year, the Maine State Housing Authority shall certify to the Treasurer of State the amount that is necessary and sufficient to meet the authority's obligations relating to bonds issued or planned to be issued by the authority under Title 30-A, section 4864.
(2) On a monthly basis the Treasurer of State shall apply 50% of the revenues in accordance with this subparagraph. The Treasurer shall first pay revenues available under this subparagraph to the Maine State Housing Authority, which shall deposit the funds in the Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Fund established in Title 30-A, section 4863, until the amount paid equals the amount certified by the Maine State Housing Authority under subparagraph (1), after which the Treasurer of State shall credit any remaining revenues available under this subparagraph to the General Fund.
(3) On a monthly basis the Treasurer of State shall apply 50% of the revenues in accordance with this subparagraph. The Treasurer of State shall first credit $3,830,000 of the revenues available under this subparagraph to the General Fund, after which the Treasurer of State shall pay any remaining revenues available under this subparagraph to the Maine State Housing Authority, which shall deposit the funds in the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund created in Title 30-A, section 4853.
D. In fiscal year 2012-13, the Treasurer of State shall credit the revenues derived from the tax imposed pursuant to section 4641-A, subsection 1 in accordance with this paragraph.
(3) On a monthly basis the Treasurer of State shall apply 50% of the revenues in accordance with this subparagraph. The Treasurer of State shall first credit $3,950,000 of the revenues available under this subparagraph to the General Fund, after which the Treasurer of State shall pay any remaining revenues available under this subparagraph to the Maine State Housing Authority, which shall deposit the funds in the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund created in Title 30-A, section 4853.
E. In fiscal year 2013-14 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Treasurer of State shall credit the revenues derived from the tax imposed pursuant to section 4641-A, subsection 1 in accordance with this paragraph.
(3) On a monthly basis, the Treasurer of State shall credit 50% of the revenue to the Maine State Housing Authority, which shall deposit the funds in the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund created in Title 30-A, section 4853.
F. Neither the Governor nor the Legislature may divert the revenues payable to the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund to any other fund or for any other use. Any proposal to enact or amend a law to allow distribution of less than 1/2 of the revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 1 to the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund established in Title 30-A, section 4853, as adjusted under this subsection, must be submitted to the Legislative Council and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over affordable housing matters at least 30 days prior to any vote or public hearing on the proposal.
G. The Treasurer of State shall credit to the General Fund all of the revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 2.
Sec. E-4. Report. By March 1, 2010, the Director of the Maine State Housing Authority shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development regarding the authority’s actions taken to implement the provisions of the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A, chapter 201, subchapter 7-A.
D. To reduce energy costs statewide.
Sec. F-4. Commission established. The Commission to Study Energy Infrastructure, referred to in this section as "the commission," is established.
C. Five members appointed by the Governor.
2. Chairs. The first-named Senate member is the Senate chair and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the commission.
3. Appointments; convening. All appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this section. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission.
B. The potential effect of such agreements on renewable energy development in the State, on the development of other energy projects in the State, including but not limited to liquefied natural gas terminals, on energy consumers and ratepayers and on natural resources and the environment.
The commission shall also examine the policy issues relating to the construction or installation in this State of energy facilities greater than 75 miles in length. The commission shall evaluate the need for changes in methods of taxation to ensure protection of the public health, safety and welfare.
In developing the plan, the commission shall review and analyze relevant reports and information, including but not limited to the information, analysis and results of the New England States Regional Energy Blueprint being prepared by ISO-NE for the New England Governors and the New England States’ Committee on Electricity. The commission shall also examine and monitor proposed or pending federal energy legislation that may significantly affect energy policy in this State. The commission may also consider ways in which the State’s electric transmission systems, including new lines, system upgrades or the development of a smart-grid, or the development of natural gas systems, including pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals, can help the State achieve its energy goals.
5. Staff; consultants; other assistance. The Legislative Council shall provide staffing services to the commission. The commission shall seek input from relevant agencies, stakeholders and persons with expertise. All agencies with relevant expertise shall provide technical or other assistance requested by the commission. The commission may retain consultants and other experts to assist the commission in its work.
6. Report. No later than December 2, 2009, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature. The Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy may submit a bill related to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature after receipt of the report.
Sec. F-5. Legislative review of corridor plans.
A. "Energy facilities" means lines, cables, pipelines or other structures for the transmission of energy resources, including but not limited to electricity, natural gas or oil.
(3) Is substantially different from any previous occupancy agreement entered into by a state authority, including, but not limited to, with respect to the type of transportation corridors to be occupied, the manner of occupancy by energy facilities, the physical extent of occupancy by energy facilities, the type of energy facilities involved or the amount or calculation of any required consideration.
C. "State authority" includes but is not limited to the Governor, the Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority or any other state entity, agency or authority.
D. "Transportation corridors" means the state highway system, the federal interstate highway system, state-owned or state-controlled rail corridors or other state transportation corridors.
C. Any action, proceeding or decision by a state authority pertaining to such an application is governed by any law enacted pursuant to section 4, subsection 6.
A state authority may not sell or lease public lands as that term is used in Title 35-A, section 3132, subsection 13 for the installation of an energy facility greater than 75 miles in length until a law approving a plan governing the sale or lease of state lands for such installations is enacted or until the energy facility receives a certificate of public convenience and necessity pursuant to Title 35-A, section 3132. Notwithstanding any other statutory provision or exemption, any person proposing to construct a transmission line greater than 75 miles in length and operating at greater than 69 kilovolts must obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity as required by Title 35-A, section 3132.
3. Limitations; exceptions. Nothing in this section prohibits a state authority from undertaking feasibility studies or exploratory negotiations for a significant occupancy agreement. Nothing in this section prohibits a state authority from entering into a limited agreement to engage in further negotiations regarding a significant occupancy agreement after enactment of law approving a plan governing such agreements, provided that any such limited agreement is subject to the express condition that all such further negotiations will occur only if permitted by and only in accordance with all provisions, terms, conditions and limitations of that plan. A state authority shall ensure that any study, negotiation or preliminary agreement is undertaken or entered into with the full awareness of all parties of the provisions of this section. Nothing in this section prohibits a state authority from entering into an agreement allowing occupancy of state transportation corridors by energy facilities for which an application for a certificate of public convenience or necessity was pending before the Public Utilities Commission on April 1, 2009, provided the occupancy agreement does not involve substantially different terms or conditions from any previous occupancy agreement entered into by a state authority with respect to the type of transportation corridors to be occupied, the manner of occupancy, the physical extent of occupancy or the amount or calculation of any required consideration. Nothing in this section prohibits a state authority from issuing permits for energy facilities for which an application for a certificate of public convenience or necessity was pending before the Public Utilities Commission on April 1, 2009. Nothing in this section is intended to apply to the operation, maintenance or alteration of licensed or permitted operating pipeline facilities or their appurtenances, including but not limited to tanks, piers, pumps and valves, that were installed prior to the effective date of this Act, even if such operation, maintenance or alteration activity requires a permit from a state authority. Nothing in this section prohibits any state authority from entering into a submerged lands lease for any pier and appurtenances related to a licensed marine oil terminal facility, as long as the application for such lease was pending prior to the effective date of this Act. Nothing in this section amends or alters the jurisdiction of any state authority or agency, including but not limited to the Public Utilities Commission and the Board of Environmental Protection, regarding the siting or determination of need for any energy facilities that may be the subject of a significant occupancy agreement or exempts any energy facilities from obtaining approvals required by applicable law. Nothing in this section prohibits a state authority from issuing a permit or license pursuant to authority delegated to the State by federal law. This section does not apply to an energy facility that is an eligible project under Title IV of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 if that project has received notification from the United States Department of Energy or its agents that the energy facility has been granted a federal loan guarantee under that Act.
4. Repeal. This section is repealed upon the effective date of a law approving plans in accordance with subsection 2 that specifically indicates legislative intent to repeal this section or 90 days after the adjournment of the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature, whichever is earlier.
Sec. F-6. Transfers from Public Utilities Commission for legislative study. The State Controller shall transfer $200,000 from the Public Utilities - Administrative Division, Other Special Revenue Funds program in the Public Utilities Commission to the Study Commissions - Funding, Other Special Revenue Funds program in the Legislature on the effective date of this Act.
Sec. F-7. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
Initiative: Allocates funds transferred from the Public Utilities Commission for the Commission to Study Energy Infrastructure.
3. Submit to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy by January 1, 2010 a report detailing the energy efficiency and green industry workforce development needs in this State as determined under subsection 1, the plan developed under subsection 2 and a status report on the implementation of the plan using federal weatherization, United States Department of Energy State Energy Program and federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 funds received by the State pursuant to the federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. The report must include recommended legislation to implement the proposed plan on a sustained, long-term basis.
The Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy may submit legislation on the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.
2-A. Powers. The director may request from the Efficiency Maine Trust, established in Title 35-A, chapter 97, and the trust may provide from funds available to it funding sufficient to carry out the duties of the office under section 3 and any other applicable law.
J. Take action as necessary to carry out the goals and objectives of the state energy plan prepared pursuant to paragraph C.
7. Other individuals appointed by the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services to serve on the task force who have demonstrated an interest in the energy issues of the State from the private, public or nonprofit sector.
Sec. I-2. Chair to convene task force. The task force shall meet at times and places called by the chair. The task force may accept staffing, financial and other administrative or program support from the agencies of State Government or from outside sources as it determines appropriate to its duties. Members serve without compensation.
Sec. I-3. Task force responsibilities. The task force shall examine ways of advancing the goals of improving energy efficiency, increasing energy conservation and increasing the energy independence of the State by better management of state facilities. The task force shall develop recommendations that, to the extent possible, do not require additional state positions or increased appropriations from the General Fund.
Sec. I-4. Reporting date established. The task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and to the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government and to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy no later than December 1, 2009.
Sec. I-5. Authority to submit legislation. The task force is authorized to submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.
Sec. J-1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
Initiative: Allocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Conservation Administration Fund program from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Allocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Conservation Program Fund program from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Allocates funds to reflect the elimination of the Maine Energy Conservation Board at the Public Utilities Commission and the transfer of related funds to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Allocates funds to reflect a transfer from the reimbursement fund at the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust for the trust's operating costs during the transition year in fiscal year 2009-10.
Initiative: Allocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Energy and Carbon Savings Trust Fund program from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Allocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Energy Conservation Small Business Revolving Loan Fund from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Provides a base allocation to authorize expenditures of any funds received for the program.
Initiative: Allocates funds from an assessment of up to 3% of certain gas utilities' delivery revenues.
Initiative: Allocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Solar Rebate Program Fund from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Deallocates funds to reflect the transfer of 17 positions and associated costs of the Conservation Administration Fund program at the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Deallocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Energy Conservation Small Business Revolving Loan Fund from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Deallocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Conservation Program Fund program at the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Deallocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Energy and Carbon Savings Trust Fund program from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Deallocates funds to reflect the elimination of the Maine Energy Conservation Board at the Public Utilities Commission and the transfer of related funds to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Provides a base allocation to authorize expenditures of funds that may be assessed for the commission to oversee and evaluate the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Deallocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Solar Rebate Program Fund from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
A. Include The commission shall establish a mechanism for customers to indicate their willingness to make contributions ; .
B. Provide The commission shall provide that transmission and distribution utilities collect and account for the contributions and forward them to the commission ; .
C. Provide The commission shall provide for a distribution of the funds to the University of Maine System, the Maine Maritime Academy or the Maine Community College System for renewable resource research and development ; .
D. Provide The Efficiency Maine Trust shall provide for a distribution of the funds to Maine-based nonprofit organizations that qualify under the federal Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3), consumer-owned transmission and distribution utilities, community-based nonprofit organizations, community action programs, municipalities, quasi-municipal corporations or districts as defined in Title 30-A, section 2351 and school administrative units as defined in Title 20-A, section 1 for community demonstration projects using renewable energy technologies ; and .
E. Provide The Efficiency Maine Trust shall provide for an annual distribution of 35% of the funds to the Maine Technology Institute to support the development and commercialization of renewable energy technologies.
Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
6. Fund. There is established the Renewable Resource Fund, referred to in this subsection as the "fund." The fund is a nonlapsing fund administered by the commission Efficiency Maine Trust, established pursuant to chapter 97. All funds collected by the commission pursuant to subsection 5 must be transferred to the Efficiency Maine Trust and deposited in the fund for distribution by the commission and the Efficiency Maine Trust in accordance with subsection 5. The commission Efficiency Maine Trust may seek and accept funding for the program established pursuant to subsection 5 from other sources, public or private. Any funds accepted for use in the program established pursuant to subsection 5 must be deposited in the fund.
C. A description of any research and development or community demonstration project that received a distribution from the fund during the prior 12 months, including its objectives, current status and results.
Sec. K-4. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
Initiative: Allocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Renewable Resource Fund from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Initiative: Deallocates funds to reflect the transfer of the Renewable Resource Fund from the Public Utilities Commission to the Efficiency Maine Trust.

References: §949
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 §3327
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 §12004
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 §3211
 §3211
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 §4711
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 §4641
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