Committee increases proposed low-income electric assistance pool and advances bill to Ways and Means

The House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection on April 8 adopted an amended version of House Bill 3792 that increases the size of a proposed low-income electric bill assistance pool and clarifies Public Utility Commission (PUC) authority to reassess contributions.

Summary of changes - Assistance pool size: The dash-4 amendment raises the amount collected by electric companies for placement into a low-income electric bill payment assistance fund from at least $20,000,000 to at least $40,000,000. - PUC reassessment: The Public Utility Commission must reassess the target amount every two years and may increase it; if the commission increases the amount by more than 2.5% it must report to the Legislative Assembly within 30 days. - Per-site cap: The amendment raises the cap that an electric company may collect from a single customer site from $500 to $1,000 per month.

Sponsor and staff remarks Committee staff working with Representative Anderson's office said the dash-4 clarified the PUC's role and reflected negotiation with interested parties; staff noted a minimal fiscal impact posted to OLIS and no revenue impact. The staff presenter said the dash-4 narrowed the earlier bill language while maintaining the expanded assistance goal.

Committee action The committee adopted the dash-4 amendment and moved HB 3792 as amended to the joint committee on Ways and Means with a due-pass recommendation. The roll-call recorded Representative Johnson (Aye); Representative Lambert (Aye); Representative New (Aye); Representative Rushdie (No); Representative Wallen (Yes); Representative Walters (Aye); Vice Chair Chi Chi (Aye); Vice Chair Osborne (No); Chair Sosa (Aye). Representative Tate was excused. The amendment was adopted by roll call.

Next steps: The bill will proceed to Ways and Means for fiscal review and potential appropriation points.