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Amend the resolve by adding after the 4th paragraph after the title the following:
‘Whereas, the existing regional demand response program rules do not adequately address the needs of Maine electricity consumers; and’
Amend the resolve by striking out all of section 1 and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 1 Study of options for a state demand response program. Resolved: That the Efficiency Maine Trust shall, using existing resources, study options for a state demand response program that will produce electricity consumer and electrical grid benefits and that will allow and encourage participation of Maine electricity consumers in the program. In conducting its study, the trust shall consult with the Governor's Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Public Advocate and ISO-New England and shall survey other states in New England regarding their interest in demand response programs at the state or regional level and consider demand response program rules that do not unduly burden or discourage consumer participation. The trust shall solicit the involvement of transmission and distribution utilities and electricity consumers in the State and determine consumer preferences for demand response program elements and rules. The trust shall issue a draft report and accept comments from the public and other interested parties. The trust shall coordinate with the other state agencies involved in order to efficiently and effectively solicit such public comment. The trust shall submit a report of its study and conclusions, including recommended legislation, by February 1, 2016 to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, which may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 127th Legislature.’
 
SUMMARY
This amendment adds language to the preamble. The amendment also adds language that encourages participation of Maine electricity consumers in the state demand response program. The amendment also includes the Office of the Public Advocate as a consultant to the Efficiency Maine Trust's study. The amendment also requires that in the survey with other New England states the trust gauge interest in program rules that do not unduly burden or discourage consumer participation. The amendment also requires that the trust solicit the involvement of transmission and distribution utilities. The amendment also directs the trust to coordinate with other state agency participants to more effectively and efficiently solicit public comment. Lastly, the amendment authorizes the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology to report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 127th Legislature.