ME LD860

Expands the Public Advocate's authority to review and investigate the reasonableness of service terms and conditions from standard-offer service providers and competitive electricity providers, in addition to existing authority over public utilities

Allows the Public Advocate to petition the Public Utilities Commission for information or data from utilities, standard-offer service providers, and competitive electricity providers, with the commission able to compel disclosure upon showing of good cause

Requires utilities to provide the Public Advocate copies of all reports and filings submitted to the commission, unless waived in writing

Directs the Office of the Public Advocate to study rates and business practices of standard-offer service providers and competitive electricity providers, with a final report due to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology by December 3, 2025

Enacted as emergency legislation effective immediately upon approval (May 29, 2025) due to concerns about competitive electricity providers potentially burdening low-income households with unaffordable prices