MAINE UTILITY RATE ASSISTANCE
- State legislation in 1991 ordered low-income rates or other programs from
investor-owned utilities; they include a rate discount, a PIPP variation,
and a bill credit program. The largest program, through Central Maine Power,
allows participants to pay a fixed percentage of their income for energy;
the percentage varies based on their level of poverty and electric usage.
Effective October 2001 the statewide Low Income
Assistance Plan, set forth in Chapter 314, of the MPUC’s ruleswas adopted continuing the large utility programs and
mandating that all electric utilities participate in the Plan. 2002 funding
is approximately $5.8 m. See electric utility restructuring legislation.
LEVERAGING
2002: $5 million
2001: $5 million
2000: $6.0 million (includes utility-funded weatherization)
1999: $5.9 million (includes utility-funded weatherization)
1998: $5.9 million (includes utility weatherization)
1997: $4.6 million
1996: $4.7 million
1995: $5.7 million
1994: $5.4 million
1993: $3.4 million
1992: $1 million
REGULATION
1993, Docket No. 93-158