Votes at a glance: Subcommittee 3 advances multiple energy and utility bills
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Summary
In one session Subcommittee 3 reported a set of energy and utility bills — HB395 (balcony solar) reported 7–0; HB466 (transmission shot clock) reported 5–2 as amended; HB422 (triennial water rate cases) reported 6–1; HB628 and HB323, HB807 and HB809 also reported, mostly unanimously.
Subcommittee 3 completed a packed agenda focused on energy and utility legislation and reported multiple bills to the next stage:
- HB395 (plug‑in/balcony solar) — reported with substitute, vote 7–0. Sponsor and stakeholders said the bill increases access to small portable solar for renters and low‑income households.
- HB466 (transmission permitting timeline) — reported as amended to set a statutory decision period and allow an additional 120 days for good cause; recorded vote 5–2. Supporters said the timeline provides predictability; opponents warned it could accelerate large transmission projects and raise long‑term costs for ratepayers.
- HB422 (water/wastewater triennial rate‑case limit) — substitute reported 6–1 after extensive testimony about high bills and service problems; substitute includes clarifications and reenactment language.
- HB628 (expanded rooftop/previously developed carve‑outs) — substitute reported 7–0; the substitute increases distributed solar carve‑outs and raises the previously developed‑site carve‑out from 200 MW to 1,000 MW.
- HB617 (virtual power plant pilot in Appalachian Power territory) — discussion and sponsor presentation; committee reconsidered procedural action and the bill remains pending with stakeholders continuing to work on amendments.
- HB323 (data‑center heat reuse study) — reported as substituted with broad support; directs state energy staff to study and coordinate potential heat‑reuse opportunities.
- HB807 and HB809 (shared/community solar expansions) — both reported with substitutes, recorded 6–0 and 6–0 respectively; substitutes expand program capacity and address billing (net‑crediting).
Several bills included line amendments or delayed effective dates to allow administrative agencies time to implement new reporting or billing functions. The subcommittee adjourned and will reconvene for further committee business.