Resolve, to Direct the Public Utilities Commission to Study
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 0300
Sponsors: MCINTYRE, COLLINS

Legislative Document
No. 300
H.P. 200
House of Representatives, February 3, 2025
Resolve, to Direct the Public Utilities Commission to Study 
Expanding the Use of Hydroelectric Power and the Development of 
a Geothermal Power Plant in the State
Received by the Clerk of the House on January 30, 2025.  Referred to the Committee on 
Energy, Utilities and Technology pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to 
Joint Rule 401.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative MCINTYRE of Lowell.
Cosponsored by Representative COLLINS of Sidney.
Sec. 1.  Public Utilities Commission to conduct studies. Resolved:  That the 
Public Utilities Commission, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," shall conduct 
studies as directed by this resolve to support the development of a balanced portfolio of 
energy sources in the State.
Sec. 2.  Study; hydroelectric power facilities. Resolved:  That the commission 
shall conduct a study reviewing the current operation of and opportunities for the expansion 
of hydroelectric power in the State for the purpose of evaluating methods to revitalize the 
hydroelectric power industry. In conducting this study, the commission shall: 
1. Review the current operation of all existing hydroelectric power facilities in the 
State; 
2. Evaluate whether and how existing hydroelectric power facilities could be expanded 
or relocated; 
3. Research and evaluate whether any decommissioned hydroelectric power facilities 
or sites of former hydroelectric power facilities could be effectively restored, particularly 
with new technology; and
4. Review new technologies being used in hydroelectric power facilities in other states 
and evaluate whether those technologies could be used in this State to improve or expand 
the hydroelectric power industry. In carrying out this review, the commission may consult 
with hydroelectric power facilities in other states.
Sec. 3.  Study; geothermal power plant. Resolved:  That the commission shall 
conduct a study for the purpose of developing a geothermal power plant in this State. For 
the purposes of this resolve, "geothermal power plant" means a power plant that uses heat 
from the earth to generate electricity.
Sec. 4.  Reports. Resolved:  That, no later than November 4, 2026, the commission 
shall submit a report based on each study under this resolve, including any 
recommendations, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction 
over energy matters. The joint standing committee may report out legislation pertaining to 
the reports to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
SUMMARY
This resolve directs the Public Utilities Commission to conduct 2 studies related to 
developing the State's portfolio of energy sources. Under the resolve, the commission must 
study the current operation of the hydroelectric power industry in this State and evaluate 
opportunities to expand or relocate existing hydroelectric power facilities.  The commission 
must evaluate how any new technologies being used in other states could be used in this 
State to improve or expand the hydroelectric power industry and whether any former 
hydroelectric power facilities could be restored. 
The commission must also conduct a study for the purpose of developing a geothermal 
power plant in this State. 
The commission must submit a report based on each study under this resolve to the 
joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters no later 
than November 4, 2026. The joint standing committee may report out legislation pertaining 
to the reports to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.