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Lawmakers hear HB 55 to speed energy procurement; opponents warn it curtails public review
Summary
Representative Gary Perry presented House Bill 55 to reorganize state integrated resource planning and competitive solicitation procedures, including an independent evaluator, with the stated goal of accelerating procurement to meet a projected near‑term capacity shortfall.
Representative Gary Perry, sponsor of House Bill 55, told the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee the bill is intended to overhaul Montana’s resource‑planning and procurement process to accelerate new supply and provide independent oversight.
Perry said the changes aim to increase transparency and protect ratepayers while shortening lead times so the state can meet forecasted demand. “Montana right now is in an energy crisis. We're being projected to need 75 to 100 megawatts of power in the next 6 to 10 years,” Perry said during his opening remarks. The bill would require an independent evaluator (IE) to be selected from a DEQ‑maintained list to oversee competitive solicitations, require utilities to hold public meetings and allow the Public Service Commission to adopt rules and review integrated resource plans (IRPs) on a shortened timeline.
Supporters. Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, who chaired the interim select committee that shaped the bill, described the IE and…
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