Committee sends energy‑planning bill to the floor after unanimous vote to formalize PSC role in RTO/ISO participation
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Summary
HB238 would require the Public Service Commission to actively participate in regional transmission organizations/ISOs, obtain operational and market data, and report annually to the legislature on impacts to Utah ratepayers; the committee passed the bill unanimously and noted a fiscal note (~$250,000/year starting FY27‑28) paid from a public utility regulatory fee.
Representative Albrecht presented HB238 as legislation to define the Public Service Commission's role if Utah utilities join regional transmission organizations (RTOs) or independent system operators (ISOs). The bill authorizes the PSC to join stakeholder and governance processes, contract for independent analyses of market and transmission data, and provide annual reports to the legislature on impacts to Utah ratepayers.
Jerry Fenn, chairman of the Public Service Commission, testified in support, saying the bill "provides clear direction" on how the commission should participate and obtain market and reliability data and that the proposed reporting would help ensure ratepayers receive fair treatment. Fenn and Albrecht noted the bill anticipates consultant or staff support and carries a fiscal note of about $250,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2027–28; those funds would come from the public utility regulatory fee (not the general fund).
Committee members asked what kinds of data would be gathered; Albrecht and Fenn described technical market, wholesale price and transmission contract data and said a consultant or additional staff would help analyze whether RTO/ISO participation produces net benefits or inequitable burdens for Utah customers. Representative Watkins asked whether California's CAISO could control governance of a future RTO; Fenn said governance structures are intended to be independent from state governments and that those questions will be central to any decision about membership.
Tom Carter (Rocky Mountain Power) and Jeff Hartley (citizen observer) both urged passage, saying the PSC should have clear statutory authority and oversight to protect customers.
The committee voted unanimously to recommend HB238 favorably out of committee.
Next steps: HB238 will proceed to the next legislative stage with a favorable committee recommendation; stakeholders should expect future technical rulemaking and PSC contracting if utilities pursue RTO/ISO membership.