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Committee narrowly approves bill allowing limited utility ownership of small gas and nuclear generation
Summary
House Bill 1775 was amended and passed by the Finance Division (6-3), allowing utilities limited ownership stakes in small natural-gas and nuclear generation facilities; members debated consumer protections, market impacts, and the repeal of a prior 60% efficiency requirement for fossil generation.
Finance Division I considered and ultimately passed House Bill 1775, which would permit utilities limited ownership in certain natural gas and small-scale nuclear generation facilities. Representative Michael Bose, who spoke for the bill, framed the measure as a way to reintroduce modest ownership capability to encourage new supply where markets are not creating adequate generation.
Debate centered on three areas: the fiscal note and PUC staffing needs, protections for ratepayers against cost overruns or stranded investments, and why the amended bill removed language requiring a 60% combined-heat-and-power efficiency standard for fossil generation. Opponents warned the measure could shift investment risk back to ratepayers and questioned why the bill singles out natural gas and nuclear rather than taking a technology-neutral approach.
Supporters said the amended measure is narrower than earlier versions and aligns with existing authority for utilities to invest in small distributed generation; they also noted potential property-tax benefits and incremental generation capacity in constrained periods. The committee approved the bill by roll-call 6-3; dissenters indicated they would file a minority report.
Where it stands: HB 1775 advances as a narrower framework allowing limited utility investment in selected generation types; proponents point to potential capacity benefits, while opponents seek stronger consumer-protection language.
