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Lawmakers introduce 'in-state first' energy bill for large facilities, requiring offer to Idaho suppliers
Summary
Representative Levitt introduced RS 32573, an 'in-state first' energy policy requiring facilities of 50 megawatts or greater to obtain conditional use permits and to offer electricity first to Idaho electric suppliers at market rates. The committee approved introduction for further consideration.
Representative Levitt introduced RS 32573, a proposal described as an “in-state first” energy policy intended to ensure Idaho consumers and suppliers get priority access to electricity produced inside the state. Levitt said the measure would apply to energy facilities of 50 megawatts or greater and would require conditional use permits before construction.
Under the sponsor’s description, before selling electricity to out-of-state buyers, a covered facility must first offer power to Idaho electric suppliers at market rates “at the time of the offer.” Levitt said the bill is not intended to prevent out-of-state sales but to guarantee Idaho suppliers and ratepayers a first opportunity to purchase locally produced power. He also said the measure includes a sunset clause in February (the specific year was not specified in the transcript) to allow for future technological or policy changes.
Committee members pressed the sponsor on operational details. Representative Mickelson asked whether “market price” refers to a spot market or a negotiated multi-year contract rate; Levitt said those clarifications would be addressed in subsequent drafting and at a full hearing. Other members asked whether the proposal would obligate incumbent utilities to purchase power and how seasonality (times when Idaho exports vs. imports power) would be accounted for; Levitt said those matters would also be covered in later hearings and depend on the facility type and energy mix.
Representative Barbieri moved to introduce RS 32573; the committee approved the motion by voice vote and did not record a roll-call tally on the transcript. The sponsor said he welcomed a full hearing to provide further details.
