Notice of Agency Rule-making

The Efficiency Maine Trust will be holding a public hearing on amendments to two agency rules on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Efficiency Maine Trust office, 168 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME.

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Chapter 3: Electric Efficiency and Conservation Programs
Chapter 4: Natural Gas Energy Conservation Programs
Comment Form

Chapter 3: Electric Efficiency and Conservation Programs

BRIEF SUMMARY: The Efficiency Maine Trust is proposing amendments to the existing rule that governs how it will implement electricity conservation programs in order to reflect several changes made by the Legislature to Title 35-A MRSA §10110. There will be a public hearing at 9:00 AM on July 31, 2018 at the Trust’s office in Augusta in the Conference Room at 168 Capitol Street. Comments on the proposed rule amendments may be provided orally at the public hearing or in writing if submitted prior to August 10. Questions, comments and requests for a copy of the draft amendments may be directed to the Contact Person for this filing. Changes to the statute that are causing the Trust to update its rule pertain to authorizing the Trust to administer programs to conserve electricity, requiring the Trust to develop program plans and budgets in a Triennial Plan for review by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to 35-A MRSA §10104. The Trust is also proposing to clarify the definition that will be used for low-income residential customers and small business customers seeking to participate in the programs, and the share of total program budgets that will be allocated to these customer classes. More information is available online at www.efficiencymaine.com/rulemaking. The statement of the proposed rule’s impact on small business also may be found at this online address.

Date, time and location of PUBLIC HEARING: July 31, 2018 at 9:00 AM on July 31, 2018

COMMENT DEADLINE: August 10, 2018

CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING:
Emily Cushman, Program Manager
168 Capitol Street, Suite 1
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel. — (207) 213-4150
Fax – (207) 213-4153
Email – Emily.Cushman@effiencymaine.com

CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT (if different): Same

FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): No change.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 35-A MRSA §10110(13)

SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED (if different): Same

AGENCY WEBSITE: www.efficiencymaine.com

E-MAIL FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULE-MAKING LIAISON: Emily.Cushman@efficiencymaine.com

Chapter 4: Natural Gas Energy Conservation Programs

BRIEF SUMMARY: The Efficiency Maine Trust is proposing amendments to the existing rule that governs how it will implement natural gas conservation programs in order to reflect several changes made by the Legislature to Title 35-A MRSA §10111. There will be a public hearing from 9:00 AM on July 31, 2018 at the Trust’s office in Augusta in the Conference Room at 168 Capitol Street. Comments on the proposed rule amendments may be provided orally at the public hearing, or in writing if submitted to the Trust on or before August 10, 2018. Questions, comments and requests for a copy of the draft amendments must be directed to the Contact Person for this filing using the postal or email address provided for the Contact Person. Changes to the statute that are causing the Trust to update its rule pertain to authorizing the Trust to administer programs to conserve natural gas, requiring the Trust to develop program plans and budgets for review by the Public Utilities Commission, and extending the programs to cover customers of each natural gas utility in Maine. The Trust is also proposing to clarify the definition that will be used for low-income residential customers seeking to participate in the programs governed by the rule. More information is available online at www.efficiencymaine.com/rulemaking. The statement of the proposed rule’s impact on small business also may be found at this online address.