§3215. Commission authority and responsibility

1.  Authority.  Without limiting the commission's authority under any other provision of law, the commission may:

A. Intervene and participate in proceedings at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the United States Department of Energy and other federal agencies and in proceedings conducted by Canadian or other authorities or agencies whenever the interests of competition, consumers of electricity or economic development in this State are affected. When intervening or participating in proceedings under this paragraph, the commission shall promote system reliability, the reduction of the cost of electricity to ratepayers in the State and long-term sustainable resource planning; and   [PL 2011, c. 109, §1 (AMD).]

B. Monitor trends and make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Legislature, to the Governor, to Congress or to any federal agency regarding:

(1) The safety and economic effects or potential effects of market competition on nuclear units; and

(2) The effects or potential effects of market competition on Maine's air quality.   [PL 1997, c. 316, §3 (NEW).]

[PL 2011, c. 109, §1 (AMD).]

2.  Findings; responsibility.  The Legislature finds that, in order for retail competition in this State to function effectively, the governance of any independent system operator with responsibility for operations of the regional transmission system must be fully independent of influence by market participants. The commission shall use all means within its authority and resources to advocate for and promote the interests of Maine ratepayers in any proceeding at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission involving the development, governance, operations or conduct of an independent system operator.

[PL 1997, c. 316, §3 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1997, c. 316, §3 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 109, §1 (AMD).