‘Resolve, Directing the Public Utilities Commission To Study the Potential Benefits and Barriers Involved in Making Renewable Thermal Technologies Eligible for Qualification in Maine's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard’

‘Sec. 1. Study. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is directed to conduct a comprehensive study of the potential benefits and barriers involved in making renewable thermal technologies eligible for qualification in the State's renewable energy portfolio standard. As part of the study, the commission shall review the ongoing rulemaking of the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission in response to the New Hampshire General Court's 2012 legislative enactment of an electric renewable portfolio standard special class for thermal renewable energy certificates; stay apprised of recommendations in response to Senate Docket, No. 1970, "An Act relative to credit for thermal energy generated with renewable fuels," which was recently passed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Court's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and is being studied by a working group in the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources; and review the progress of HB 0931, "An Act concerning Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Thermal Energy," introduced in the Maryland General Assembly; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall report the findings of the study under section 1 and any suggested legislation recommended for introduction to the First Regular Session of the 127th Legislature to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities matters no later than February 2, 2015.’