Senate enacts Vitelli bill to help Mainers afford energy bills
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, the Maine Senate voted to enact a bill from Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, that would help more Mainers afford their energy bills. An amended version of LD 1913, “An Act to Create the Electric Ratepayer Advisory Council,” received unanimous, bipartisan support in a roll call vote on Tuesday, and unanimous support again in Wednesday’s enactment vote.
“Many Mainers saw their electric bills nearly double this winter, hitting working and retired Mainers, their families and small businesses hard. This bill is designed to give Mainers a louder voice in the conversation about energy rates to make sure we’re considering any and all options that help people keep the lights on,” said Sen. Vitelli. “I’m grateful to my colleagues for supporting this bill, and I’m hopeful it will make a real difference for Maine people.”
As amended, LD 1913 would direct the Public Advocate to create the Electric Ratepayer Advisory Council 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. The bill directs the council to review relief programs that help seniors and other struggling Mainers pay for their energy bills and improve other strategies that make electricity more affordable. The amended version of the bill also contains an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon becoming law.
Melissa Winne, with the Governor’s Energy Office, offered testimony in support of LD 1913: “This bill is of particular interest to the GEO and of importance to Maine people and businesses as global fossil fuel markets, particularly for natural gas, are driving up electricity prices.”
The bill is also supported by the Office of the Public Advocate, AARP and the Maine Chamber of Commerce.
LD 1913 now goes to the desk of Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to either sign it into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature.