Committee: Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee
Author: Trevor Graff
Posted on July 31, 2018
The Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee (ETIC) advanced legislation related to qualifying facilities, small water and sewer utility regulation, and utility resource planning for final consideration during its July 19-20 meeting in Helena.
ETIC members advanced two bills concerning qualifying facilities. The first bill would provide a 25-year contract term to small renewable generating assets that qualify under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act for special rate treatment. The bill would also eliminate “symmetry,” or the ability for the Public Service Commission to enact special cost recovery mechanisms on utility-owned or contracted facilities.
The second bill would require utilities to conduct competitive solicitation for generating assets.
Committee members advanced for final consideration two bills related to small water and sewer utilities’ rate regulation. The first bill would provide standard rates for such utilities. The second provides rule-making authority to the Public Service Commission.
LCIRP2, a bill requiring public meetings in utility integrated resource planning and resource planning processes, also advanced for final consideration.
Members received updates on the Universal Systems Benefits program, 9-1-1 grants, state geothermal research, and a review of the governor’s Montana Renewables Development Task Force’s final report.
The committee also approved final reports for the SJ 31 decoupling study and HJ 28 natural gas customer choice study.
For more information visit the following link:
July 19-20 Meeting Materials (includes agenda and background reports)
Senate members of ETIC are Mary McNally (D-Billings), Nate McConnell (D-Missoula), Tom Richmond (R-Billings) and Scott Sales (R-Bozeman).
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