Bill > S2239

This bill proposes comprehensive restrictions on how gas and electric utility companies can use ratepayer funds, specifically prohibiting recovery of costs associated with a wide range of activities including lobbying, promotional advertising, political advertising, charitable contributions, executive perks, and certain legal expenses. The bill defines key terms like "advertising" and establishes that utilities cannot charge ratepayers for expenses related to membership dues, trade association contributions, political campaign expenses, institutional image advertising, or litigation aimed at modifying regulations. Utilities will be required to submit an annual detailed report to the state department of utilities by March 1st, listing all expenses that fall under these prohibited categories, including payments to outside vendors, third-party expenses, and employee compensation related to these activities. If a utility is found to have improperly recorded or recovered such expenses, the department can assess non-recoverable penalties equal to or greater than the improper expense amount and require the utility to refund customers, with potential portions of collected penalties distributed back to ratepayers or used to enhance enforcement resources. The overall intent is to ensure that utility customers are not inadvertently funding corporate activities unrelated to core utility services through their monthly rates.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2239