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Parties File Comments On Proposed Low-Income Assistance Program
In Maine parties filed supplemental comments on the proposed low-income assistance rule.
As background the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MEPUC) initiated this docket to consider amendments to the statewide low-income assistance plan (LIAP). MEPUC’s proposed rule maintains the current apportionment and assessment process and the operations of consumer-owned utility programs, but it requires investor-owned utilities (IOUs) to redesign their programs and implement a new discount rate program, effective October 1, 2026.
Proposed program provisions include:
- expanded program eligibility from 75% to 150% of the federal poverty level;
- each IOU must annually establish a four-tiered discount rate for customers with incomes 0-75%, 76-100%, 101-125%, and 126-150% of the federal poverty level;
- participants are to be enrolled for a 12-month period from their enrollment date, with a new discount rate taking effect each October 1st;
- the discount is a percentage reduction to the overall bill amount for transmission, distribution, and supply, and may be identified as either a discounted rate or a credit; and
- capping any portion of the discount rate that applies to volumetric charges at the utility’s average monthly residential usage.
The proposed rule would also set the following statewide funding for LIAP benefits: (1) 2024-2025: $22.5 million; (2) 2025-2026: $22.5 million; and (3) 2026-2027: $30.0 million.
2025-00241
(Proceeding To Consider Amendments To The Statewide Low-Income Assistance Plan (LIAP).
