LD 1646, a bill to create a public utility authority in Maine, was tabled until next week after discussion at a May 30 work session. The bill's goal is to  create a consumer-owned utility in Maine, replacing Central Maine Power and Emera.

During the delay, the public is asked to submit input to House Chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, Seth Berry (D-Bowdoinham), about the make-up of  the task force and issues the public would like addressed. Berry said he would accept emails at Seth.Berry@legislature.maine.gov until close of business Monday.

The bill,  as currently written, requires a board to be established to write  by-laws, elect officers and do other tasks.  The board would then commission a study to determine whether and how the proposal to establish a consumer-owned utility in Maine would move forward. In the amendment offered Thursday, Berry said there is no reason the study couldn’t go forward prior to the board being in place, since the bill would require the study in any case, and it might prove useful as board members are proposed and by-laws and rules are set. His amendment would commission the study prior to the establishment of the board, with all stakeholders having a short window to provide input about issues important to them.

After the public comment period, the amendment will be voted on, possibly as early as June 3, which is the next time the bill appears in the committee calendar. More votes may be needed prior to committee approval of the bill, which may get pushed back to the second session, in the new year, even if the study is underway.