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Panel approves bill to let developers choose private installers for utility system improvements
Summary
The committee approved an amended bill requiring utilities to allow a choice of private or utility crews to install system improvements, subject to inspection, bonding, and warranty standards; the bill moves to Finance.
The House Commerce Committee on March 26 voted to approve legislation standardizing a process that lets developers or customers choose private contractors to install utility system improvements, with utilities required to inspect, accept and require warranty protection.
Sponsor said the bill creates a uniform process for high‑growth areas where utilities face long project delays and staffing limits. "What this bill is proffering to you to consider is that utilities should allow have a pathway for customers ... and this sets up a process by which utility companies are required to allow the choice of the company doing install or a private installer," the sponsor said after the committee adopted amendment 6399, which rewrote the bill.
Under the amended bill utilities would be able to require bonding, maintain an approved list of installers that meet standards, inspect and accept improvements and require a one‑year warranty after acceptance. Supporters said many utilities already use similar practices and the bill standardizes them statewide.
Opponents registered some no votes in the committee roll call; the committee passed the bill 18 ayes and 3 noes and forwarded it to the Finance Committee.
Ending: The bill moves to Finance where members said implementation details — including inspection standards, bonding, and approved‑installer criteria — will be worked out with utilities and stakeholders.
