Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A. Public Utilities § 6106. Apportionment of costs for water main extensions or service lines

1. Investment. The governing body of a consumer-owned water utility may choose to make no investment in a water main extension or service line and may require persons requesting a water main extension or service line to advance to the utility the full cost of construction, including associated appurtenances required solely as a result of the construction of the water main extension or service line and used solely for the operation of the main extension or service line. Apportionment of the costs among customers shall be determined by the commission by rule.

2. Assessments. The governing body may assess the full cost of water main extensions on all property that abuts the water main in accordance with rules promulgated by the governing body. The owner of any property which is not hooked up to the water system may defer payment of the assessment until it is hooked up. The governing body by rule may exempt appropriate classes of property from the assessment and may provide for payment of an assessment over a period of time.

3. Review by elected local officials. If the governing body is not an elected body, any decision to make no investment under subsection 1 or to assess under subsection 2 must first be endorsed by the municipal officers of the municipality or municipalities involved, prior to filing with the commission.

4. Notice to commission. A consumer-owned water utility that chooses to make no investment in water main extensions or service lines under subsection 1 shall notify the commission in writing of the effective date of the decision and shall include the minutes or other record of the decision, including any endorsement required by subsection 3.