Senate approves energy planning bill preserving community renewable program opt‑out

On third reading the Utah Senate approved third substitute House Bill 238, a measure aimed at improving transmission and generation planning oversight.

Sponsor Sen. Bickers told the chamber the bill "authorizes the Public Service Commission to get detailed operational reports" from regional transmission organizations and independent system operators when Utah participates in interstate arrangements. The sponsor said the authority is intended to protect Utah ratepayers and ensure Utah gets equitable consideration.

Sen. Bickers also noted that a prior draft that would have converted the 2019 community clean energy program into an opt‑in had been changed; the substitute returns to an opt‑out structure. "This version puts it back to an opt out, so it does not do that," the sponsor said. Sen. Blueen commended the work: "I just wanna say I appreciate the work that was done to preserve the community renewable energy program. ... That was a big concern when this came to committee."

Floor votes recorded the bill's passage. Sponsors and supporters said they expect the measure to provide regulators better access to operational information and preserve city and county community energy options.

What’s next: The bill will be returned to the House for further consideration as part of the enrollment and transmittal process.