Maine PUC Cedes Lifeline ETC Designation and Regulation to FCC

On June 13, 2013, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) adopted an order ceding its jurisdiction over Lifeline-only ETCs, including initial designation of Lifeline ETCs, to the FCC.  The MPUC found that “there is no longer any advantage to Maine consumers, financial or otherwise, for the Commission to administer the Lifeline or Link-Up programs or to designate ETCs solely for the purpose of qualifying for Lifeline, Link-Up, or other low-income support. The federal programs will continue to benefit Maine consumers through administration by the FCC without the expenditure by the Commission of its own resources.”  The MPUC said it will complete the processing of Lifeline ETC petitions filed with it by June 1, 2013, but will dismiss any such pending petitions that have not received FCC approval of a Lifeline Compliance Plan by December 31, 2013.