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Committee hears bill asking utilities to submit renewable-energy planning reports
Summary
Sen. Andrea Olsen’s bill would ask Montana utilities to provide a plan describing options, timelines and barriers for increasing renewable generation. Proponents cited the state constitutional duty to a clean environment and potential cost benefits; opponents questioned cost claims and federal funding assumptions.
Senator Andrea Olsen introduced Senate Bill 294 to the Senate Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee, asking utilities to provide a transparent plan that outlines options, timelines and challenges for increasing the share of renewable energy in their portfolios.
The bill, Olsen said, is “a request essentially that we start asking NorthWestern Energy, our utility companies for information about what how they're planning to meet some goals.” The sponsor characterized the measure as “the bare bones minimum to start” a structured engagement between the Legislature and utilities.
The bill’s proponents told the committee the plan would improve transparency and help Montana meet constitutional obligations. Natalie Wright of the Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund said SB 294 “is a key step to…
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