Committee adopts amendment protecting residential default‑service customers; HB 17‑33 passes as amended

The Science, Technology and Energy Committee on Feb. 17 adopted amendment 0752H to House Bill 17‑33 and then voted 18–0 to report the bill 'ought to pass as amended.' The amendment was presented by Representative Harrington as a consumer‑protection measure to limit ratepayer exposure to volatile wholesale markets.

Under the adopted language, default service procurement for residential and small commercial customers should rely, to the greatest extent practicable, on fixed‑price contracts and should not involve purchases from the day‑ahead or real‑time markets except where fixed‑price contracts of sufficient size cannot be obtained. The amendment also states that any reconciliation from purchasing in the real‑time or day‑ahead markets shall be reflected only in future default‑service rates and shall not be collected through a non‑bypassable charge; amortization of any undercollection would not exceed two years, per the amendment’s text as explained to the committee.

Representative Carmen and others argued the amendment was clearer and better protected customers; Representative Schneller and Representative Reynolds said the competing utility‑authored amendment (0765H) was ambiguous. Representative Harrington and other supporters said the change preserves the original intent of default service — minimizing customer risk and avoiding harm to competitive markets.

By voice and roll‑call votes the committee first adopted amendment 0752H unanimously (18–0) and then adopted the motion that HB 17‑33 ought to pass as amended (18–0). Representative Harrington will write the committee report. The amended bill will be placed on the consent calendar.

Next steps: the committee’s report will accompany HB 17‑33 to the next stage of the legislative process; sponsors and utilities will monitor PUC implementation details if the bill becomes law.