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LD 995

An Act To Provide Funding For Low-Income Electric Ratepayer Assistance

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Brennan and 8 co-sponsors

LD 995 would temporarily provide $7.5 million in general fund support (two years) to aid low-income Maine electric ratepayers, administered by the Maine State Housing Authority.

Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)
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Bill Summary · LD 995

Summary of LD 995: An Act to Provide Funding for Low-Income Electric Ratepayer Assistance

Overview

LD 995 proposes a targeted one-time appropriation to support low-income households with electric utility costs. The bill directs General Fund money to a state housing program administrator to provide ratepayer assistance, with accompanying administrative adjustments for oversight and potential related savings.

Purpose and Intent

  • Provide financial relief to low-income electricity customers in Maine.
  • Establish a dedicated funding stream administered by a housing authority to deliver low-income electric ratepayer assistance.
  • Use general fund resources to reduce energy burden for eligible households.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriations:
    • General Fund one-time appropriations of $7,500,000 in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
    • General Fund one-time appropriations of $7,500,000 in Fiscal Year 2026-27.
    • No ongoing funding beyond FY 2026-27 specified in the fiscal notes; future year allocations are $0.
  • Administration:
    • Funds to be provided to the Maine State Housing Authority for administering low-income electric ratepayer assistance.
    • The bill anticipates some costs for the Public Utilities Commission to adopt changes, but these are described as minor and absorbable within current resources.
  • Related Impacts:
    • Any potential additional savings to the Department of Health and Human Services’ General Assistance program are expected to be minor and absorbable within existing resources.

Who is Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Low-income electric ratepayers in Maine who would receive assistance under the program.
  • Administering agency: Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) would administer the assistance program.
  • Other agencies: Public Utilities Commission (PUC) may incur minor implementation costs; Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) General Assistance could experience minor savings.

Fiscal and Administrative Details

  • Net Cost / Savings: Net cost is the $7.5 million per year for two years (FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27); no additional net costs shown after FY 2026-27.
  • Fiscal Notes: Both the Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement and the later Fiscal Note confirm the one-time nature of the funding for two fiscal years and minor, absorbable costs for PUC and minor savings for DHHS GA.

Timeline and Legislative Status

  • Introduced: March 11, 2025.
  • Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology.
  • Floor action: Passed the House with amendments and moved through standard reading and engrossment steps in April 2025 (House Roll Call 100: 120 Yeas, 26 Nays; various readings and amendments).
  • May 6, 2025: Placed on Special Appropriations Table pending enactment.
  • June 25, 2025: Carried Over to a special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, in the same posture, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
  • Current status: CARRIED OVER; not enacted. Further action would occur in a future session.

Practical Takeaway

LD 995 would temporarily bolster low-income electric ratepayer assistance through a $7.5 million General Fund allocation in each of two consecutive fiscal years, administered by the Maine State Housing Authority, with manageable administrative costs and minor related savings for other agencies. The bill is not yet law and remains contingent on future legislative action in a subsequent session.

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

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