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House Energy backs competitive bidding for new transmission-line projects
Summary
Senate Bill 355, which would allow competitive bidding for construction of new electric transmission line projects and revise incumbent rights, passed committee and will move to the House floor.
Committee staff described Senate Bill 355, introduced by Senator Galt, as a measure "generally revising electric electric utility laws allowing for a competitive bidding process for the construction of new electric transmission line projects, fusil, existing statute, and replacing it with, incumbent electric utility transmission line rights," Burns told the committee.
Representative Carter moved to concur in SB 355. The committee conducted a voice vote and counted proxies; staff reported a recorded tally of 13 ayes and 1 nay. "There are 13 eyes and 1 nay," Burns announced, and the committee sent SB 355 to the floor.
Why it matters: The bill would change how new electric transmission-line projects are awarded in Montana, introducing competitive bidding where incumbent rights currently apply. Supporters argued the change allows competition for construction; details of statutory replacement were not debated in depth in committee.
Votes at a glance: Concurrence on SB 355 — passed, 13-1; bill moves to the House.
