_____________ 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 of citizen-owned electric generation cooperatives; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.

WHEREAS, the future of Montana's electricity sector is changing rapidly; and

WHEREAS, Montanans require reliable sources of electricity generation; and

WHEREAS, other states provide for varying generation ownership models; and

WHEREAS, Montana ratepayers in all classes have shared concerns.

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 the feasibility of citizen-owned electric generation cooperatives, including:

(1)        the legality of citizen-owned electric generation cooperatives;

(2)        the composition of a citizen-owned electric generation cooperative board;

(3)        what entities may participate in a citizen-owned electric generation cooperative;

(4)        any financial impacts to ratepayers;

(5)        the process and funding options for the purchase of necessary generation and transmission capacity;

(6)        available federal and cooperative power available for a new cooperative; and

(7)        the process to purchase and manage the cooperative.

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.