1. Program established. The combined heat and power program, referred to in this chapter as “the program,” is established to encourage the development in the State of combined heat and power projects that will promote the climate action plan developed in accordance with Title 38, section 577, subsection 1. The program is administered by the commission.

[PL 2021, c. 604, §3 (NEW).]

Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A Sec. 3623

2. Program scope; limits on net generating capacity. The commission shall limit participation in the program in accordance with this subsection.
A. The net generating capacity of a program participant may not be less than 3 megawatts or more than 15 megawatts. [PL 2023, c. 353, §3 (AMD).]
B. The total net generating capacity of all program participants combined may not exceed 30 megawatts.

The commission may modify the amount of total net generating capacity stipulated under this paragraph based on program experience. [PL 2023, c. 353, §4 (AMD).]

[PL 2023, c. 353, §§3, 4 (AMD).]

3. Program eligibility criteria. To be eligible to participate in the program, a combined heat and power project must:
A. Be connected to the electric grid of this State; [PL 2021, c. 604, §3 (NEW).]
B. Have an in-service date after November 1, 2022; [PL 2021, c. 604, §3 (NEW).]
C. Satisfy the limits on net generating capacity established in subsection 2, paragraph A; [PL 2021, c. 604, §3 (NEW).]
D. Be highly efficient, as determined by the commission on a technology-specific basis; and [PL 2023, c. 353, §5 (AMD).]
E. Not be a participant in net energy billing under section 3209?A or 3209?B. [PL 2021, c. 604, §3 (NEW).]
The commission shall prescribe an application form or procedure that must be used to apply to the program under this chapter, which must include any information that the commission determines necessary for the purpose of administering the program. The commission shall inform an applicant, within 30 days of receipt of an application, if the application is complete. The commission shall determine whether the combined heat and power project qualifies for participation in the program as soon as practicable and respond in writing.

[PL 2023, c. 353, §5 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2021, c. 604, §3 (NEW). PL 2023, c. 353, §§3-5 (AMD).