1.Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.Legislative findings.
The Legislature finds that:
3.Smart grid policy; goals.
In order to improve the overall reliability and efficiency of the electric system, reduce ratepayers' costs in a way that improves the overall efficiency of electric energy resources, reduce and better manage energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is the policy of the State to promote in a timely and responsible manner, with consideration of all relevant factors, the development, implementation, availability and use of smart grid functions and associated infrastructure, technology and applications in the State through:
4.Resource assessment policy.
In order to
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1.
Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.
Legislative findings.
The Legislature finds that:
3.
Smart grid policy; goals.
In order to improve the overall reliability and efficiency of the electric system, reduce ratepayers' costs in a way that improves the overall efficiency of electric energy resources, reduce and better manage energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is the policy of the State to promote in a timely and responsible manner, with consideration of all relevant factors, the development, implementation, availability and use of smart grid functions and associated infrastructure, technology and applications in the State through:
4.
Resource assessment policy.
In order to meet the goals of the smart grid policy as specified in subsection 3, it is the policy of the State that all available energy resources be assessed, including but not limited to the following types of resources:
5.
Smart grid coordinator; authorization by the Public Utilities Commission; rules.
6.
Transition plan; displaced employees.
If an investment in smart grid infrastructure by a transmission and distribution utility will lead to the displacement of 20 or more employees within a 3-year period, the transmission and distribution utility must file a transition plan for the displaced employees with the commission for approval and may not displace those employees unless the commission has approved a transition plan in accordance with this subsection.
7.
Compliance with safety, security and reliability standards.
In implementing the policies specified in this section, the commission and other agencies and instrumentalities of the State shall ensure that applicable regional, national and international grid safety, security and reliability standards are met. The commission and other agencies and instrumentalities of the State shall seek to cause standards that promote cost-effective technologies and practices supporting smart grid functions to be integrated into national and international grid safety, security and reliability standards.
8.
Cost recovery.
The commission shall, upon petition, permit a transmission and distribution utility to adjust its rates to recover the utility's prudently incurred incremental costs associated with implementing smart grid functions and associated infrastructure, technology and applications or otherwise taking reasonable actions consistent with the policies of this section, to the extent that the costs are not already reflected in the utility's rates and the adjustment does not result in rates that are unjust or unreasonable. A grant by a utility in an amount approved by the commission to the University of Maine System for smart grid research and development is deemed to be a prudently incurred incremental cost associated with implementing smart grid functions.
9.
Report.
10.
Consumer education.
If a transmission and distribution utility or the Efficiency Maine Trust implements smart grid functions, the utility or the trust shall, to the extent the commission determines appropriate, provide information to customers about the purpose and goals of smart grid functions, the ways in which smart grid functions, including but not limited to time-of-use pricing, may involve customer interaction and how the implementation of smart grid functions can benefit customers.
11.
Savings clause.
Nothing in this section limits any other authority of the commission with respect to smart grid implementation.