_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study to examine future electric grid capacity requirements, grid technologies, and the roles of regulatory, private-sector, and state government entities in the future of the grid; and requiring the final results of the study be reported to the 68th legislature.

WHEREAS, economic and technological forces are rapidly transforming the supply and demand of electricity on the Montana grid; and

WHEREAS, similar forces are transforming regional electricity markets; and

WHEREAS, the health, resilience, and stability of the state and regional grid is significantly dependent on the timely access to sources of locally generated firm electricity and cost-competitive power contracted on the open market; and

WHEREAS, peak-shaving energy efficiency initiatives, grid-connected energy storage, and future participation in a Regional Transmission Organization are among other strategies for reducing in-state capacity requirements; and

WHEREAS, policymakers, business leaders, ratepayers, and taxpayers are among the stakeholders who seek an optimal path to a flexible, robust, resilient, and stable electric grid.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to study:

(1) the future capacity requirements of our state energy grid, including but not limited to the role and contribution of regional markets to that state requirement;

(2) the expected in-state technological sources of that generation capacity, considering delivered price, environmental stewardship, flexibility, and cost benefit;

(3) the impact of future electricity loads that may drive future capacity requirements, including electric transportation and increased electric water and space heating;

(4) the contributions of nongeneration technologies to achieve a more efficient, lower-peak grid, including but not limited to utility-scale energy efficiency, demand side management, storage, and advanced meters; and

(5) the role of the private sector, regulated utilities, and state government in the development of the future grid.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 68th Legislature.