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Bill would extend Tort Claims Act immunity to PUC-appointed receivers for small water utilities
Summary
The Public Utilities Commission and water-utility advocates told lawmakers a narrow change to state law would make it easier to recruit receivers to operate small, consumer-owned water utilities when their trustees cannot form a quorum.
Representative Melanie Sachs introduced LD 11 27, a bill the Public Utilities Commission requested to clarify civil-immunity protections for receivers the commission may appoint to manage consumer-owned water utilities when a utility’s board lacks a quorum.
"The receiver has all the authorities granted to a full Board of Trustees," Sachs told the committee, and she said the commission has declined candidates in one instance because of liability concerns. Sachs asked the committee to let the PUC explain why additional statutory protection is needed.
Deirdre Schneider, testifying for the PUC, said the commission has authority under 35-A M.R.S. § 6410-A to appoint a receiver and noted that…
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