Bill > LD1963

This bill establishes the Maine Public Utility Whistleblower Protection Act, which provides comprehensive protections and incentives for employees and contractors of public utilities who report potentially imprudent or illegal activities. The legislation allows whistleblowers to testify or provide information to legislative committees, the Public Utilities Commission, or the Public Advocate without fear of retaliation, and requires employers to provide training on whistleblower rights at least every two years. The bill mandates that employers cannot discharge, threaten, or discriminate against employees who report concerns in good faith, and provides avenues for legal recourse if such discrimination occurs. Additionally, the legislation creates a secure, anonymous reporting mechanism through a hotline or portal managed by the Public Utilities Commission, with provisions to protect the whistleblower's identity. Importantly, the bill introduces a financial incentive program where whistleblowers can be awarded between 10% and 30% of administrative penalties or customer savings resulting from their report. While anonymous reports cannot be used as the sole basis for penalties or rate changes, the commission can investigate such reports. The bill's context is rooted in recognizing that utility employees are often best positioned to detect and report improprieties that could harm customers, and it aims to create a robust system of accountability in a regulated industry traditionally protected from market competition.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1963&snum=132