Committee advances Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board budget after review of consultant reappropriation

The House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget voted to report the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) budget favorably after a Legislative Research briefing explaining reappropriated consultant funds and routine adjustments.

Luke Drury, senior fiscal analyst with Legislative Research, told members the agency does not receive state general fund dollars and that an $88,000 unspent consultant-services balance from fiscal year 2024 can be reappropriated and used in the current year under the appropriations language. "That 88,000 is what was unspent in fiscal year 2024," Drury said, adding the amount will give the agency flexibility to hire outside consultants for complex dockets.

Drury also walked the committee through FY2026 items, noting fringe-benefit and contractual adjustments; he said the Legislative Budget Committee recommended no changes to the agency’s request. Committee members clarified that the LBC recommendation is the starting point for committee action and that motions are required to alter the package.

Representative Long moved to pass the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board budget favorably for FY2025 and FY2026; the motion was seconded by Representative Bloom and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: CURB represents ratepayer interests and participates in utility dockets that can affect consumer bills. The reappropriation of consultant funds and the committee’s acceptance of the LBC recommendation gives the agency flexibility to engage experts for complex cases without drawing on the state general fund.

What’s next: the budget recommendation will be incorporated into the committee’s appropriations work. Staff indicated any deviation from the LBC recommendation would require a separate motion.