HALLOWELL (AP) — The chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission says he followed the language of the law when approving a rule that could limit funding for efficiency programs.
Environmentalists blasted the decision to put a roughly $25 million cap on one source of funding for Efficiency Maine Trust, which supports programs aimed at cutting electricity usage and costs.
Democratic lawmakers said they intended for the cap to be $60 million but there was a language error in the bill.
Chairman Mark Vannoy said Wednesday that his job is to interpret the law as written, not to consider legislative intent.
Environmentalists said that decision will ultimately mean higher costs for ratepayers. But Vannoy said he believes the trust can accomplish its goals with the $25 million and other funding sources it receives.
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