ME LD2112

Municipalities or groups of municipalities may establish community choice aggregation programs to procure electricity on behalf of residents, businesses, and municipal accounts after obtaining Public Utilities Commission approval and a majority vote of the municipal legislative body

Eligible customers on default utility service are automatically enrolled in approved programs unless they affirmatively opt out; customers must receive written notice via first-class mail and newspaper publication explaining program details and opt-out procedures

Electric distribution utilities must implement a purchase of receivables program, buying program receivables at commission-approved discount rates and assuming responsibility for billing, collections, and bad debt

Low-income and electric assistance program customers retain all existing benefits, discounts, and protections without additional fees or penalties; programs must conduct targeted outreach to vulnerable populations

Public Utilities Commission must adopt implementation rules by January 1, 2027, covering opt-out procedures, receivables program design, and consumer protection requirements