This bill proposes the transfer of the Electric Assistance Program from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Energy. It amends existing laws to reflect this change, specifically by inserting language that designates the Department of Energy as the authority over the program and its funding mechanisms. The bill also modifies the language regarding the design of low-income programs to ensure they are targeted and efficient, replacing the term "should" with "shall" to impose a stronger obligation on the Department and the Commission to maximize benefits for intended beneficiaries.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for the "Department" as the Department of Energy and outlines the authority of the Department to manage the electricity assistance program funded through a system benefits charge. It allows the Department to establish eligibility tiers, benefit levels, and administrative budgets using a non-adjudicative hearing process. The bill also includes provisions for suspending the collection of the system benefits charge if the low-income program fund exceeds $1,000,000, ensuring that the program remains effective and aligned with its intended purposes. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 369-B:1, 369-B:2, 374-F:4
As Amended by the Senate: 369-B:1, 369-B:2, 374-F:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 369-B:1, 369-B:2, 374-F:4
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 369-B:1, 369-B:2, 374-F:4