Maine PUC Initiates Rulemaking to Amend Its Long-Term Contracting and Resource Adequacy Rule

The Maine Public Utilities Commission has initiated a rulemaking proceeding (download a Word version of the notice here) to consider amendments to Chapter 316, its long-term contracting and resource adequacy rule. 

The rulemaking addresses statutory amendments to the Act to Enhance Maine’s Energy Independence and Security (P.L. 2005, ch. 677) relating to the Maine PUC’s authority to establish a long-term plan for electric resource adequacy and incorporates the Maine PUC experience implementing long-term contracting legislation since 2007.  The rulemaking seeks to amend or add definitions of certain terms and amend provisions related to the Commission’s contracting authority, the competitive solicitation process, contracting, disposition of resources, cost recovery and reporting requirements. 

Public comments on the proposed rule are due to be filed on October 4, 2010, but the PUC has requested that comments be in by September 20 to allow time to consider comments at the PUC’s September 23 public hearing.  Click here for a redlined version of the proposed new rule.