ME LD1223

Shifts costs of net energy billing programs (kilowatt-hour credits and commercial/institutional solar programs) from electric ratepayers to Maine's General Fund, effective January 1, 2027

Requires utility procurement costs for energy, renewable energy credits, energy storage systems, and transmission infrastructure mandated by the Public Utilities Commission to be paid from the General Fund rather than incorporated into rates

Establishes two new funds within the PUC: the Energy Procurement and Arrearage Management Program Cost Fund and the Net Energy Billing Cost Stabilization Fund to receive General Fund appropriations

Requires electricity customers enrolled in assistance programs (SNAP, TANF, WIC, low-income assistance, arrearage management, general assistance) to use standard-offer service rather than competitive electricity providers

Exempts electricity consumed by residential and small commercial customers from state sales tax by removing it from the definition of "tangible personal property"