_____________ 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 on electric sector regionalization; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th 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 generated firm electricity and cost-competitive power contracted on the open market; 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 system.

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 examine:

(1)        the impact of regional energy market development;

(2)        ongoing regional transmission organization development;

(3)        regional transmission infrastructure, including permitting and capacity issues; and

(4)        the role of the private sector, regulated utilities, and state government in the development of the electric sector in the region.

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, 2024.

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 69th Legislature.