Utility oversight bill advances after differences resolved

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Legislature voted in favor of a monthly bill to maximize oversight of the state’s two major electric powered utilities on Wednesday, a day soon after a disagreement in the House place the proposal into limbo.

LD 1959, An Act to Make certain Transmission and Distribution Utility Accountability, sponsored by Sen. Stacy Brenner, would build new overall performance actions and increase monetary penalties for failure to satisfy the benchmarks. The utilities could encounter a compelled sale for repeated violations in excessive situations.

Home Democrats fixed their dissimilarities Wednesday to vote for a modified monthly bill. The Senate also authorised it. Even more votes are required.

The proposal will come amid popular discontent with the state’s privately owned electric utilities. This year, critics attempted unsuccessfully to put a bid on the ballot to replace them with a consumer-owned electric powered utility.

“It’s distinct Maine people are at a breaking issue and that several of our constituents have missing faith in their utilities,” stated Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, who serves on the Electricity, Utilities and Technological know-how Committee. She said the state’s residents “are demanding much more accountability from their electrical utilities, and they are demanding it now.”

The governor set ahead the monthly bill as a compromise and was sponsored by Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, who explained Wednesday that Mainers have earned responsible energy.

“This monthly bill will guarantee our utility businesses put the requirements of their customers 1st, that we’re setting up a ability grid that is reputable and prepared for Maine’s impartial power long term, and will aid secure ratepayers,” Brenner claimed.