May 29, 2024

Hallowell, Maine - The Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission) adopted amendments today to its Intervenor Funding Rule. The Commission initiated this rulemaking proceeding to comply with recently enacted legislation that required expanding the funding to include non-adjudicatory proceedings, such as rulemakings and inquiry proceedings. The Commission believed this was important as these types of Commission proceedings can have an equal or greater impact on Maine citizens than adjudicatory proceedings.

This legislation (L.D. 395) also expanded funding sources for intervenor funding to include administrative penalties collected by the Commission.

The amendments also include expanding funding to individuals or entities, referred to in the rule as participants, in a case rather than just intervenors.

The Intervenor and Participant Funding Rule establishes standards by which individuals and entities would be entitled to compensation for expenses of participating in certain proceedings, including attorney fees, expert witness fees and other reasonable expenses.

A participant or intervenor would be eligible for funding if:

-The position advocated by the participant or intervenor is not adequately represented by the Public Advocate or Commission Staff;

-Participation in the proceeding by the participant or intervenor would impose a substantial financial hardship on the participant or intervenor;

-The participant or intervenor is likely to substantially contribute to the proceeding and to assist in the resolution of the issues raised;

-The participant or intervenor complies with the eligibility determination requirements.

Details of the case and the amended Rule can be found on the Commission website. Please reference docket number 2022-00299.

About the Commission

The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers while also helping achieve reductions in state greenhouse gas emissions. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, gas safety and Dig Safe. Philip L. Bartlett, II serves as Chair, Patrick Scully and Carolyn Gilbert serve as Commissioners.

Learn more about the Commission at https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/.

CONTACT: Susan Faloon, Media Liaison CELL: 207-557-3704 EMAIL: susan.faloon@maine.gov WEBSITE: https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/