Committee: Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee
Author: Trevor Graff
Posted on February 5, 2017
The Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee (ETIC) furthered its studies of utility decoupling and natural gas consumer choice in the state during its January 16 meeting in Helena.
During the meeting ETIC members discussed the merits and drawbacks of decoupling with industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies. The committee addressed concerns surrounding Montana Dakota Utilities’ response to committee questions and began the review of the state’s integrated resource planning & electricity procurement planning processes.
Members received draft legislation concerning Qualifying Facilities contracts for the procurement of renewable energy under federal law in the state and received a preview of the Understanding Energy in Montana Guidebook.
The committee also began discussing Montana’s energy policy and received updates from the Public Service Commission and the Montana Call Before You Dig program.
For more information visit the following links:
January 16 Meeting Materials (includes agenda and background reports)
Information on how to sign up for interim meeting notices
Senate members of ETIC are Mary McNally (D-Billings), Tom Richmond (R-Billings), Scott Sales (R-Bozeman), and Cynthia Wolken (D-Missoula).
House members include Laurie Bishop (D-Livingston), Zac Perry (D-Hungry Horse), Derek Skees (R-Kalispell) and Daniel Zolnikov (R-Billings).
For more information on the committee’s activities and upcoming meetings, please visit the committee’s website or contact Sonja Nowakowski or Trevor Graff, committee staff. A full agenda and meeting materials will be posted approximately two weeks in advance of each meeting.
Committee Website: www.leg.mt.gov/etic
Committee Staff: snowakowski@mt.gov or 406-444-3078; trevor.graff@mt.gov or 406-444-4975
