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LD 241

An Act To Authorize The Public Utilities Commission To Approve Rate Adjustments For Low-Income Water Utility Ratepayers

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Lawrence

Allows PUC to approve targeted rate adjustments to reduce water bills for low-income customers.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · LD 241

Summary — LD 241: Authorize PUC to Approve Rate Adjustments for Low‑Income Water Utility Ratepayers

Status: Signed by Governor (5/29/2025)
Introduced: 1/16/2025 — Sponsor: Sen. Lawrence of York
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
Classification/Subject: Assistance program; Powers; Public Utilities Commission

Purpose and intent

LD 241 authorizes the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to approve rate adjustments specifically designed to assist low‑income water utility ratepayers. The bill’s stated intent is to provide the PUC with explicit authority to implement rate mechanisms or adjustments that address water affordability for low‑income households.

Key provisions (high level)

  • Grants the PUC authority to approve rate adjustments targeted at low‑income water customers.
  • Implementation details (eligibility criteria, adjustment design, funding/recovery mechanism, reporting requirements) are set forth in the enacted language (and may have been modified by Committee Amendment “A” (S‑82)).
  • No major new appropriation or separate fund appropriation is required; related administrative costs for the PUC are expected to be minimal.

Note: The summary is based on available bill metadata and fiscal notes. The exact statutory text, definitions (e.g., “low‑income”), and procedural rules for approving specific adjustments should be consulted in the enacted bill (engrossed as amended) for operational detail.

Who is affected

  • Low‑income water utility customers — potential beneficiaries of reduced or adjusted rates.
  • Regulated water utilities — may be required to implement approved adjustments or surcharges and to comply with PUC orders.
  • Other ratepayers — depending on the cost‑recovery design, some costs could be shifted among customer classes (details depend on the final rate design).
  • Public Utilities Commission staff — will administer and review applications and orders; fiscal notes indicate these duties can be absorbed within existing resources.

Fiscal impact

  • Repeated fiscal notes (approved 2/5/2025; 3/17/2025; 5/22/2025) estimate a minor increase in costs to the PUC charged to Other Special Revenue Funds. All notes state these costs can be absorbed within the PUC’s existing budgeted resources.

Legislative and procedural history (selected)

  • Referred to committee 1/16/2025; work session and hearings in March 2025.
  • Committee Amendment “A” (S‑82) was adopted.
  • Passed both chambers (Senate roll call noted 19–12 with 3 excused) and was enacted 5/27/2025; signed by the Governor 5/29/2025.

Implementation/next steps

  • Consult the final enrolled/engrossed bill text (as amended by C “A” (S‑82)) to review precise eligibility rules, rate‑setting procedures, timelines, and any reporting requirements.
  • Monitor PUC rulemaking or docket activity for guidance on applications, required data, and effective dates for any approved adjustments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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