Bill > LD1964

This bill establishes new requirements for the sale or lease of solar energy equipment and interests in net energy billing arrangements, which are systems that allow customers to receive credit for excess electricity generated by their solar panels. The bill aims to protect consumers by preventing misleading sales tactics, such as falsely claiming to represent an electric utility or government agency when selling or leasing electricity products, which are defined to include distributed generation resources like solar energy systems. It also expands the definition of "merchandise" under certain consumer protection laws to explicitly include contracts for shared financial interests in distributed generation resources with net energy billing and solar energy equipment. Furthermore, starting June 1, 2026, sellers or lessors of solar energy equipment installed on a customer's side of the meter must provide a detailed written disclosure before the sale or lease, covering information like contact details, installation specifics, cost and warranty summaries, responsibilities of all parties, dispute resolution options, and contract terms, including what happens if the customer moves or needs roof repairs. Violations of these disclosure requirements will be considered unfair trade practices. The bill also mandates that large, investor-owned utilities report average interconnection costs to an ombudsman, who will then publish this information annually to help consumers understand potential system connection expenses. The Department of Energy Resources is also tasked with developing model disclosure forms by June 1, 2026, to assist businesses in complying with these new regulations. The bill is declared an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon approval.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1964&snum=132