Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Electricity Deregulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House creates legislator-only task force to study electrical restructuring, approves scope and amendments
Summary
The Utah House on Feb. 26 approved House Bill 313 to form a legislator-only task force to study electric restructuring, adopting amendments that narrow valuation duties and call for nondiscriminatory rate language and broader stakeholder representation for any subcommittees.
Representative Fox introduced House Bill 313 to create a legislator-only task force to study electrical-industry restructuring and related issues, saying the state must prepare for “an era of challenge and change in the electrical industry.” The task force is scheduled to meet frequently (three times per month from April through November) under the sponsor’s expedited timetable.
The bill’s central questions include how to value so-called stranded costs and how to preserve nondiscriminatory rate standards during any restructuring. Representative Fox and floor sponsors said the task force should provide legislative oversight and be prepared to make policy recommendations over the next one to two years, adding that “virtually every person and business in the state will be impacted by the findings of this task force.”
Lawmakers debated a set of floor amendments. One change directs the task force to identify appropriate methods for valuing stranded costs rather than requiring the legislative committee itself to determine an exact valuation. Another amendment clarifies that references to nondiscriminatory rates should point back to the existing statutory definition rather than inventing a new standard. A third amendment requires that any subcommittee that includes nonlegislators be broadly representative of stakeholders rather than dominated by industry interests.
Members pressed the bill’s sponsors on consumer protections and accounting for funds that may surface during rate reviews. Representative King cautioned lawmakers to protect workers and the health of utilities while keeping ratepayers in focus; other members urged careful documentation of any monies discovered so savings can be demonstrated to consumers.
A handful of members warned against letting neighboring states’ policies dictate Utah’s approach, while supporters argued Utah should be proactive. After debate and adoption of the amendments, the House voted to pass HB313 (the clerk announced the result on the floor). The measure will now go to the Senate for consideration.
