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132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
FIRST REGULAR SESSION-2025
Legislative Document No. 300H.P. 200House of Representatives, February 3, 2025
Resolve, to Direct the Public Utilities Commission to Study
Expanding the Use of Hydroelectric Power and the Development of
a Geothermal Power Plant in the State
Received by the Clerk of the House on January 30, 2025. Referred to the Committee on
Energy, Utilities and Technology pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to
Joint Rule 401.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative MCINTYRE of Lowell.
Cosponsored by Representative COLLINS of Sidney. Page 1 - 132LR0481(01)1 That the
2 Public Utilities Commission, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," shall conduct
3 studies as directed by this resolve to support the development of a balanced portfolio of
4 energy sources in the State.
5 That the commission
6 shall conduct a study reviewing the current operation of and opportunities for the expansion
7 of hydroelectric power in the State for the purpose of evaluating methods to revitalize the
8 hydroelectric power industry. In conducting this study, the commission shall:
9 1. Review the current operation of all existing hydroelectric power facilities in the
10 State;
11 2. Evaluate whether and how existing hydroelectric power facilities could be expanded
12 or relocated;
13 3. Research and evaluate whether any decommissioned hydroelectric power facilities
14 or sites of former hydroelectric power facilities could be effectively restored, particularly
15 with new technology; and
16 4. Review new technologies being used in hydroelectric power facilities in other states
17 and evaluate whether those technologies could be used in this State to improve or expand
18 the hydroelectric power industry. In carrying out this review, the commission may consult
19 with hydroelectric power facilities in other states.
20 That the commission shall
21 conduct a study for the purpose of developing a geothermal power plant in this State. For
22 the purposes of this resolve, "geothermal power plant" means a power plant that uses heat
23 from the earth to generate electricity.
24 That, no later than November 4, 2026, the commission
25 shall submit a report based on each study under this resolve, including any
26 recommendations, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction
27 over energy matters. The joint standing committee may report out legislation pertaining to
28 the reports to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
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30 This resolve directs the Public Utilities Commission to conduct 2 studies related to
31 developing the State's portfolio of energy sources. Under the resolve, the commission must
32 study the current operation of the hydroelectric power industry in this State and evaluate
33 opportunities to expand or relocate existing hydroelectric power facilities. The commission
34 must evaluate how any new technologies being used in other states could be used in this
35 State to improve or expand the hydroelectric power industry and whether any former
36 hydroelectric power facilities could be restored.
37 The commission must also conduct a study for the purpose of developing a geothermal
38 power plant in this State.
39 The commission must submit a report based on each study under this resolve to the
40 joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters no later
41 than November 4, 2026. The joint standing committee may report out legislation pertaining
42 to the reports to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
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