An Act To Provide Greater Equity In And Reduce Costs Related To The State'S Net Energy Billing Program

LD 1936 updates Maine's net energy billing program to increase equity and reduce costs. It requires participants to have a financial interest in their distributed energy systems (like solar panels) and defines "nonresident program owners" as entities with principal business outside Maine. The bill limits agreement terms to prevent indefinite extensions, sets deadlines for larger projects (1-2 megawatts) to be operational by specific dates, and mandates utilities to replace departing participants with low-income customers in the same service area under similar terms. Small, customer-owned projects (1 megawatt or less) are exempt from some term limits and deadlines.