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Committee advances bill to subject larger private wastewater providers to PUC oversight
Summary
S 1397 would allow the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to regulate private wastewater corporations with 100 or more connections; the committee voted to send the bill to the floor after testimony that oversight would protect consumers from excessive rates.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted March 20 to advance S 1397, a bill proposing that private wastewater corporations with 100 or more service connections be treated as public utilities subject to Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) oversight.
Senator Woodward told the committee the measure aims to protect customers from unfair pricing and ensure adequate service. David Frohnen of Sandpoint testified in support, saying some private providers operate without state-level rate oversight and estimated the legislation would affect about eight of the largest providers.
During discussion, Senator Shippy and Senator Woodward contrasted current oversight: Woodward noted the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality already regulates certain operational aspects of wastewater providers but does not regulate rates. Senator Shippy asked Frohnen for an estimate of how many private corporations would be affected; Frohnen estimated eight. Senator Harris moved to send S 1397 to the floor with a do pass recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote.
The committee record does not include a roll-call tally. If enacted, the bill would shift rate-regulation authority for qualifying wastewater corporations to the PUC; additional rulemaking and implementation steps would be required by the PUC and affected providers.
