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House Approves Intent Language for PSC Rate-Setting; Senate Bill 61 Advances
Summary
The House heard debate on Senate Bill 61, which lets the Public Service Commission use historic or future test periods when setting utility rates, permits settlements to be presented to the PSC, and requires PSC rulemaking to follow the Administrative Rulemaking Act. The sponsor said the bill codifies existing practices; the House spread an intent statement and opened a vote.
House members debated Senate Bill 61 on March 2, which would allow the Public Service Commission (PSC) greater flexibility when choosing a test period for setting utility rates, explicitly permit settlements to be brought before the PSC with hearing rights for interested parties, and require the PSC to follow the Administrative Rulemaking Act when adopting rules.
Representative Curtis explained the measure as "a step in the right direction," telling members the bill would "have the Public Service Commission select a test period for setting utility rates based on the best evidence presented to the Public Service Commission without any presumption, for or against either a historical or a future test period." Lawmakers raised questions about how rates might be adjusted later if projections used as a test period proved inaccurate; the sponsor indicated a rate change would likely require another rate case.
The House moved to spread the sponsor’s intent language in the journal. Members who spoke in favor emphasized the value of allowing historical, current and projected data to inform rate-setting, and an advisory body representing employers and employees was reported to support the bill. Voting was opened on the measure as part of the day's calendar business.
Next steps: the House considered the bill on third reading as scheduled and opened voting; further procedural steps will follow recorded votes and any final action recorded in the House journal.
