Committee narrows HB 610 to focus consumer advocate on residential ratepayers; expands qualification options
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Summary
The committee adopted an amendment to HB 610 that narrows the consumer advocate’s statutory focus to residential utility customers, adds oversight responsibilities for the residential ratepayer advisory board, and broadens eligible qualifications for the office; votes were unanimous and the bill was placed on the consent calendar.
The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee adopted Amendment 2025-3076h to House Bill 610 by a recorded vote of 16-0 on Nov. 5, revising earlier language that would have abolished the Office of the Consumer Advocate.
Chair Erica Layon said the amendment narrows the bill’s focus to ensure the consumer advocate concentrates “exclusively on assuring that residential utility customers receive safe and reliable service at the lowest possible cost while maximizing consumer freedom and autonomy,” and adds oversight duties for the residential ratepayer advisory board. The amendment also allows that the consumer advocate could be a qualified attorney, a professional engineer, or an economist if necessary to broaden the candidate pool.
Donald Kreece, the current consumer advocate, said he worked with committee members to move the bill away from abolishing the office and toward strengthening oversight without “wreaking havoc.” Kreece confirmed the advisory board would have an expanded role, including the ability for a two-thirds recommendation to the governor and council for removal of the consumer advocate if duties are not fulfilled. Committee members discussed whether the change warranted a new public hearing; Chair Layon and others said the original public hearing had been comprehensive and the amendment narrowed the bill’s focus.
After roll-call votes to adopt the amendment and to move the bill as amended, the committee placed HB 610 on the consent calendar.