A House committee in Maine has advanced legislation proponents say would crack down on illicit marijuana cultivation by requiring permits for high-powered electrical upgrades in residential buildings.
The bill, titled An Act to Reduce Illegal Cannabis Operations by Requiring Permits for High Electrical Usage, was approved by the Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology today. It is sponsored by Senator David Haggan (R) and cosponsored by Representatives Joshua Morris (R), Chad Perkins (R), and Senator Jeffrey Timberlake (R).
The measure would require individuals to obtain a permit before installing or upgrading electrical service to 300 amperes or more in any residential building. This threshold is based on the total amperage across all electrical panels on the property. Depending on the location, applicants would need to seek a permit from either a municipal or state electrical inspector, who would then be required to notify the utility provider of the application.
In addition to the permitting requirement, the bill mandates that both investor-owned and consumer-owned utilities report certain patterns of electrical usage to municipal code enforcement or inspection authorities. These include:
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New or upgraded electrical service totaling 300 amperes or more.
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Malfunctioning transformers.
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Installation or upgrade of transformers exceeding 25 kilovolt-amperes.
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Power consumption increases of over 500% month-over-month.
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Evidence of power diversion or meter tampering.
Each report must also include the square footage of the residence and, if available, an explanation for the spike in usage.
The proposal is part of a broader effort to deter unauthorized indoor marijuana cultivation, which often relies on large amounts of electricity to power lighting, ventilation, and climate control systems. The bill now awaits further consideration by the full Legislature.
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