Page 1 - 131LR2116(03)
STATE OF MAINE
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IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR
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S.P. 798 - L.D. 1962
Resolve, to Direct the Public Utilities Commission to Adopt Rules Regarding
Utility Shut-offs
Sec. 1.
utility terminations and disconnections. Resolved: That, in accordance with its
authority under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, sections 111 and 704, the Public
Utilities Commission shall adopt rules governing transmission and distribution utility and
gas utility service terminations and disconnections due to unpaid bills for utility service.
1. For residential customers of transmission and distribution utilities and gas utilities,
the rules must:
A. Prohibit the termination or disconnection of utility service for unpaid utility bills
during extreme weather or temperature conditions, including extreme heat or humidity,
between April 16th and November 14th; and
B. Establish a threshold dollar amount greater than $50 owed by a customer who does
not pay or make a payment arrangement on an undisputed overdue utility bill at or
above which the utility may terminate or disconnect utility service; and
2. For low-income customers of a transmission and distribution utility, the rules must
prohibit the utility from:
A. Charging a restoration or reconnection fee or requiring a security deposit for a
restoration of service; and
B. Charging late fees that accrued prior to the termination or disconnection.
For the purposes of this subsection, "low-income customer" means a residential customer
of a transmission and distribution utility who, as determined by the commission, receives
low-income financial assistance pursuant to Title 35-A, section 3214, subsection 2 or low-
income home energy assistance pursuant to the program described in Title section
4722, subsection 1, paragraph W or who is enrolled in an arrearage management program
implemented pursuant to Title 35-A, section 3214, subsection 2-A.
Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5,
chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
APPROVED
MARCH 19, 2024
BY GOVERNOR
CHAPTER
145
RESOLVES