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Notice of Public Meeting - Heating Fuels Efficiency Report & Recommendations

09.29.10 The Efficiency Maine Board’s Strategic Planning Workgroup will host it’s first meeting with stakeholders to inform the Heating Fuels Efficiency Report and Recommendations.

Tentative Schedule

• 1:30 Welcome and Introductions
• 1:45 Heating Fuels  Framework
• A review of history, legislative and triennial plan requirements and funding options to be considered
• 2:10 Facilitated Discussion with stakeholders
• 2:50 Wrap up/Scheduling

Interested parties should contact Peter.Roehrig@efficiencymaine.com to be added to the email list for this initiative. We ask that you please RSVP should you intend to attend this meeting.
 
As per the requirements of the Efficiency Maine Trust Act, the Board will submit its Report and Recommendation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities and energy matters in January 2011.  The Board therefore anticipates completion of the report and recommendation for full board vote by the scheduled board meeting December 1, 2010.
 
Efficiency Maine is taking this initiative pursuant to the Maine State Legislature’s An Act Regarding Maine’s Energy Future.
 
PUBLIC Law, Chapter 372 LD 1485, item 1, 124th Maine State Legislature
An Act Regarding Maine's Energy Future
 
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.
 
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.