This resolve requires the Public Utilities Commission to:
1. Issue a request for information after consultation with the Office of the Public Advocate, the Governor's Energy Office and the Efficiency Maine Trust regarding reasonable opportunities for the commission to explore and consider engaging in the execution of an energy cost reduction contract or a physical energy storage contract. The commission's request for information must also seek identification of existing and near-term replacement energy sources for natural gas in commercial and industrial uses, including when the replacement energy sources are expected to be available, the cost of those replacement energy sources and the steps needed to develop a cost-effective and reliable supply of such replacement energy sources; and
2. Contact every gas utility and natural gas pipeline utility in the State and every state or province adjacent to this State to negotiate favorable terms for one or more energy cost reduction contracts, physical energy storage contracts or such other arrangements as the commission may find necessary or appropriate to reduce the costs of energy in the State and to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The commission must submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology by December 3, 2025 that includes a summary of the responses the commission received from its request for information, any actions taken by the commission as a result of the information received and a summary of actions taken by the commission to negotiate favorable terms for one or more energy cost reduction contracts, physical energy storage contracts or other arrangements.