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Rep. Matson urges transformer vulnerability study; committee adopts amendment 14–2 and passes HB 17-23 13–3
Summary
The Science, Technology and Energy Committee adopted Amendment 0935h to House Bill 17-23 and passed the bill as amended, directing utilities and grid operators to assess high-voltage transformer vulnerability to geomagnetic and electromagnetic disturbances and recommend mitigations. The amendment sets a $350,000 cap and requires reports to federal and regional agencies.
The Science, Technology and Energy Committee voted to advance House Bill 17-23 on March 3 after adopting Amendment 0935h, which directs utilities and grid operators to assess the vulnerability of high-voltage transformers to geomagnetic and electromagnetic disturbances and to recommend mitigation measures.
Representative Matson, the bill's prime sponsor, framed the measure as a preparedness step to protect critical equipment. "These transformers are the size of a house and weigh hundreds of tons, take 4 to 6 years to replace," Matson said, adding that a major solar storm could leave states and much of the lower 48 "dark for years." She urged members to support the bill as a first step to “identify which transformers are the most vulnerable.”
The adopted amendment makes several substantive changes: it places the…
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