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PUC Extends Community Aggregation Comment Period
On August 6, 2026 the Maine PUC issued a procedural order extending comment deadline inquiry to develop rules implementing LD2112 of 2026, which authorized municipalities and tribal communities to establish community choice aggregation (CCA) programs.
Comments responding to notice of inquiry now due by September 18, 2026.
Previously on July 30, 2026,the Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry Regarding Community Choice Aggregation Programs to Procure Electricity (Notice of Inquiry). The Notice of Inquiry was issued pursuant to LD 2112, “An Act to Authorize Municipalities to Form Community Choice Aggregation Programs to Procure Electricity,” P.L. 2025, c. 665, as codified at 35-A M.R.S. § 3219. Through the Notice of Inquiry, the Commission seeks input and invites comments and responses to questions from interested parties. The Notice of Inquiry established a comment deadline of August 21, 2026. On August 6, 2026, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) requested an extension of the comment deadline to September 18, 2026. Also on August 6, 2026, the Office of the Public Advocate and NRG Energy, Inc. made filings supporting NRCM’s requested extension of the comment deadline. NRCM’s request for extension of the comment deadline is approved. Comments from all interested persons are now due on or before Friday, September 18, 2026.”
As a reminder, the statute requires MEPUC to establish rules including:
- CCA establishment and approval processes and standards;
- timing and notice requirements and opt-in and opt-out procedures;
- requirements for consumer protection and transparency and data sharing, including a standard competitive electricity provider service agreement to provide for ongoing data sharing; and
- provisions to minimize impacts to default service, to the greatest extent practicable.
Requirements for CCA implementation specified by statute include:
- programs are opt-out for default service customers, but must require affirmative election by any customers: (i) participating in net energy billing; (ii) participating in a front of the meter DER program; (iii) receiving generation service from a competitive electricity provider; and (iv) receiving financial assistance for low-income households or participating in an arrearage management program;
- customers receiving financial assistance for low-income households or participating in an arrearage management program may not participate in a CCA if they would at any time pay a supply rate higher than the default service supply rate;
- customers may be unenrolled for nonpayment; and
- low-income and electric assistance program customers: (i) would be eligible to participate without effect on their assistance; and (ii) may not be charged any additional fees, charges, or penalties as a result of participation.
