LD 1549

This bill requires Maine's Public Utilities Commission to annually solicit non-binding informational bids for establishing small modular nuclear reactors (defined as nuclear facilities with up to 350 megawatts capacity) in the state. The Commission must issue requests for proposals each October seeking details about costs, locations, timelines, and operational expenses for these reactors, then report the findings to the legislature's energy committee by January 15th each year. These information-gathering requirements will continue until 2034 or until the state accepts an actual bid for a small modular nuclear reactor, with the bids serving as potential groundwork for future contracts but creating no binding obligations on either the state or bidders.