An Act To Promote Responsible, Cost-Effective Energy In Maine By Amending The Tariff Rates Applicable To The Commercial And Institutional Net Energy Billing Program

LD 1317 amends Maine's Commercial and Institutional Net Energy Billing Program by establishing a new rate structure for energy credits starting in 2026. It requires the Public Utilities Commission to set annual tariff rates between 12¢ per kilowatt-hour and the lower of previous years' rates, with the rate fixed at exactly 12¢ per kWh beginning January 1, 2028. This directly affects commercial and institutional customers participating in the net energy billing program, which allows them to receive credits for excess energy sent to the grid. The bill replaces prior rate formulas with this phased approach to stabilize and reduce credit values over time. These changes aim to balance cost-effectiveness for ratepayers while maintaining program participation.