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LD 1619

Resolve, To Establish A Commission To Study Pathways For Creating A Thermal Energy Networks Program In Maine

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mathew McIntyre and 1 co-sponsor

GEO must solicit information to explore a Maine Thermal Energy Networks Program; no funding or program yet - information gathering to guide future legislation or pilots.

Signed by Governor
#alternativeenergy #geothermal #programstudy
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Bill Summary · LD 1619

LD 1619 — Resolve, To Establish A Commission To Study Pathways for Creating a Thermal Energy Networks Program in Maine

Status: Signed by Governor (June 11, 2025)
Introduced: April 11, 2025
Subjects: Alternative energy, geothermal, program study
Final action: Enacted as amended (Committee Amendment "A" (H‑411))

Purpose

The Resolve directs state action to explore creation of a Thermal Energy Networks Program in Maine. In broad terms, the bill seeks information and pathways for developing programs or policies that would support shared or centralized heating systems (e.g., district heating, geothermal networks, waste-heat recovery) that deliver thermal energy (hot water/steam) to multiple buildings or users.

Key provisions and changes

  • Original title contemplated establishing a commission to study pathways for creating a Thermal Energy Networks Program.
  • As enacted (Committee Amendment "A" H‑411), the Resolve directs the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) to solicit information regarding the creation of a Thermal Energy Networks Program in Maine. The final text emphasizes information-gathering rather than creating a standing commission or immediately establishing a program.
  • The Resolve does not appropriate new program funding or create regulatory obligations for third parties in its enacted form; it initiates a study/information solicitation phase to inform future decisions.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Governor’s Energy Office — tasked with soliciting information and carrying out the Resolve’s directives.
  • Secondary: municipalities, utilities, developers, building owners, heat suppliers, community energy advocates, and other stakeholders who may be asked to provide data or participate in information collection.
  • General public: no immediate service changes; potential future impact if the study leads to program creation or legislation.

Fiscal impact

  • Two fiscal notes (approved 05/21/2025 and 06/04/2025) estimate a minor General Fund cost increase to the Governor’s Energy Office.
  • Any additional costs are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within GEO’s existing budgeted resources. No new appropriation was enacted.

Legislative process and timeline

  • Referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology (April 11, 2025). Work session and divided committee report occurred in May 2025.
  • Committee Amendment "A" (H‑411) was adopted in both chambers.
  • Finally passed (concurrence) June 4, 2025; signed by the Governor June 11, 2025.
  • The Resolve directs GEO to begin soliciting information; the bill text does not specify a detailed deadline or reporting schedule in the materials provided. Findings from the solicitation could inform future legislation or program design.

Potential next steps / implications

  • GEO will collect information from stakeholders and may produce findings or recommendations (either informally or via a future report).
  • The information collected could lead to draft legislation, program proposals, pilot projects, or funding requests to create a formal Thermal Energy Networks Program in Maine.

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

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