Sen. Vitelli to introduce bill to help Mainers afford their electric bills

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, Feb. 15, Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, will introduce a bill to help Maine seniors and others struggling to make ends meet pay for heat and ensure that Maine people can afford their energy bills as the state modernizes its electric grid and sources. LD 1913, “An Act To Review Strategies for Improving Utility Rate Affordability and To Provide Utility Relief,” will be the subject of a public hearing scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. before the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.

LD 1913 would direct the Public Utilities Commission to create a relief program to help seniors and other struggling Mainers pay for their energy bills, including bills from this winter, and any late fees that might have accrued. The bill would also direct the Public Advocate to create a commission of stakeholders to review utility rates and come up with a plan to ensure that Maine people will be able to afford their energy bills as the state modernizes its electric grid and moves toward energy independence.

Mainers are encouraged to sign up to testify in writing or live over Zoom by visiting www.mainelegislature.org/testimony. Those who need special assistance or who would prefer to testify live via a toll-free number can contact the Legislative Information Office at (207) 287-1692. Those watching or listening from home will be able to follow along by visiting legislature.maine.gov or www.youtube.com/c/MaineStateLegislature.

WHAT: Public hearing on LD 1913

WHO: Sen. Eloise Vitelli in front of the Legislature’s Energy, Utility and Technology Committee

WHEN: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15

WHERE: Sign up to testify by visiting www.mainelegislature.org/testimony or follow along at legislature.maine.gov.