Lawmakers hear HB220 to speed easements for utilities in state parks; utilities urge swift action In a first hearing on HB220, sponsor Representative Kevin McCabe and staff said the bill would require DNR to grant easements when statutory criteria are met, establish a 60-day decision deadline, and allow automatic approval if DNR fails to act; utilities and the Alaska Telecom Association supported the bill, citing permitting delays that threaten broadband and reliability projects.

House Bill 220 aims to streamline easements in Alaska’s state parks, tackling the costly delays that threaten vital utility projects and broadband expansion.

Click to read more!

#AK #CitizenPortal #AlaskaStateParks #EnvironmentalProtection #InfrastructureDevelopment #UtilityRegulation

Council approves exclusive franchise for Intermountain Gas Company Boise City Council adopted ORD 7-26, granting Intermountain Gas Company an exclusive natural-gas utility franchise within Boise City after waiving the reading rules; the ordinance passed by roll call vote.

Boise City Council has just granted Intermountain Gas Company an exclusive franchise to manage natural gas utilities, shaking up the energy landscape in the city!

Read the full story

#ID #EnergyPolicy #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #UtilityRegulation #BoiseCity

Senate committee advances bill to expand PSC and tighten intervention rules; advocates warn it could curb residential voices Senate Bill 8, as amended by a committee substitute, would expand the Public Service Commission to five members, set professional qualifications and a five‑mile transmission CPCN threshold, and add new intervention disclosure rules; housing and ratepayer advocates warned Section 2 could limit nonprofit intervention.

Kentucky's Senate Bill 8 aims to modernize the Public Service Commission but raises concerns that it may silence residential advocates in crucial utility regulation discussions.

Read the full story!

#KY #CitizenPortal #TransparencyReform #UtilityRegulation #ConsumerAdvocacy

Public Service Commission authorizes carrying costs for WP&L's Heartland contribution at WACC The Public Service Commission reopened docket 66-80-AF-108 and authorized carrying costs for Wisconsin Power and Light's contribution to the Heartland expansion at the weighted-average cost of capital, citing lower risk to the utility and greater customer savings; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

The Public Service Commission's recent unanimous vote to authorize carrying costs for Wisconsin Power and Light's Heartland pipeline project could mean significant savings for customers—up to $16 million!

Click to read more!

#WI #EnergyCosts #CitizenPortal #CustomerSavings #UtilityRegulation

Senate approves energy bill to boost coal-plant utilization after extended floor debate After hours of questions and partisan back-and-forth, the West Virginia Senate passed legislation that incentivizes higher utilization of in-state coal-fired power plants, arguing it will restore jobs and stabilize rates. Opponents warned it risks higher costs for ratepayers; the bill passed on recorded votes and was made effective July 1, 2026.

The West Virginia Senate just passed a controversial energy bill aimed at revitalizing coal-fired power plants, but not without heated debates over its potential costs to consumers.

Read the full story

#WV #EnergyPolicy #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #WestVirginiaEnergy #UtilityRegulation

Senate committee adopts resolution to study West Virginia Public Service Commission and reports it to full Senate The Senate Workforce Committee adopted an originating resolution directing the Joint Committee on Government Finance to study the effectiveness, transparency and organizational structure of the West Virginia Public Service Commission and reported the resolution to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass.

West Virginia's Senate Workforce Committee is pushing for a crucial study on the effectiveness of the Public Service Commission—could this change how utilities are regulated?

Click to read more!

#WV #CivicAccountability #WestVirginiaPublicService #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation

Committee advances bill clarifying public utility districts’ authority to self-perform certain renewable projects The capital committee voted 16-0 (three excused) to report Substitute Senate Bill 6,076 out of committee with a due-pass-as-amended recommendation after adopting a technical amendment that narrows a $1,000,000 self-performance cap to non-emitting renewable-resource generation work.

Washington's capital committee just advanced a pivotal bill that clarifies the authority of public utility districts to self-perform renewable energy projects up to $1 million!

Click to read more!

#WA #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation #PublicPolicy

PUC and utilities tell Vermont House committee H.716 would shift costs, complicate implementation Witnesses at a Feb. 25 House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee hearing opposed H.716, a revised net metering bill, arguing it would shift costs to low- and moderate-income ratepayers, require costly billing changes and metering upgrades, and set unrealistic battery-installation targets.

Vermont's proposed H.716 bill is facing fierce opposition from utilities who warn it could unfairly burden low-income ratepayers and complicate solar energy implementation.

Read the full story

#VT #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation #RenewableEnergy #AffordableSolar #VermontEnergy

Senate committee forwards Christopher Boswell to full Senate for PSC confirmation The Senate Corporations Committee voted to forward Governor Gordon’s nominee Christopher Boswell to the full Senate for confirmation to the Public Service Commission after an introductory presentation, questioning on energy and rate issues, and public testimony in support.

Christopher Boswell's nomination to the Wyoming Public Service Commission has sparked vital discussions on adapting to rapidly changing utility challenges.

Read the full story

#WY #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #TransparencyInGovernance #UtilityRegulation

Office of Regulatory Staff seeks authorization for 19 FTEs tied to Act 41 and a one-time energy study The Office of Regulatory Staff asked the Senate subcommittee to authorize 19 additional full‑time equivalents tied to House Bill 3309 (Act 41), including eight conditional FTEs for the Electric Rate Stabilization Act and $689,942 in one‑time general funds for a 10‑year energy study.

The Office of Regulatory Staff is pushing for the authorization of 19 new positions to tackle critical energy initiatives, including a major 10-year study and conditional roles tied to the Electric Rate Stabilization Act.

Click to read more!

#SC #EnergyPolicy #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation

BPU opens docket to consider pausing electric rate proceedings and authorizes modernization study RFQ The Board of Public Utilities opened a public docket to consider pausing or modifying schedules for proceedings seeking electric rate increases under Gov. Sherrill's Executive Order 1 and authorized a consultant RFQ to support a board-mandated modernization study due by July 19, 2026.

New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities is set to pause electric rate increases and launch a major modernization study—what could this mean for your utility bills?

Click to read more!

#NJ #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #NewJerseyUtilities #UtilityRegulation #EnergyModernization

The Senate has just voted to advance a groundbreaking bill that could revolutionize thermal energy networks in New Jersey, but concerns about costs to ratepayers are raising eyebrows.

Click to read more!

#NJ #CitizenPortal #NewJerseyEnergy #CleanEnergy #SustainableTechnologies #UtilityRegulation

Panel backs bill to require payment of foregone taxes when utilities condemn conserved land A bill that would require utilities or other condemning parties to pay back taxes forgone when land under a conservation easement is taken for infrastructure passed the subcommittee after an amendment to adjudicate the additional payment separately from just compensation.

Virginia's new bill could reshape how utilities negotiate for conserved land, requiring them to pay back taxes that were previously waived—what does this mean for our environmental future?

Learn more here

#VA #CitizenPortal #LandUse #EnvironmentalPolicy #UtilityRegulation

Consumers Council and residents urge city action as data‑center plans and SB4 raise rate concerns Consumer advocates and multiple St. Louis residents told the committee that Missouri’s large‑load tariff and recent regulatory changes leave ratepayers exposed to costs for new generation and transmission; presenters urged community benefit agreements and stronger collateral and contract terms.

Consumer advocates are sounding the alarm over Missouri's new large-load tariff, warning it could leave everyday residents footing the bill for costly infrastructure tied to data centers.

Learn more here

#LouisCityLouisCounty #MO #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #UtilityRegulation

Senate approves clean-energy clarification to cover port-owned generation under CETA Substitute Senate Bill 5,982 clarifies that new electricity generation by ports and other consumer-owned utilities falls under Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA); proponents said it preserves the state's clean-energy goals while opponents warned of costs to ports and economic development.

Washington's Senate just passed a pivotal bill that mandates clean energy standards for new electricity generation from ports, igniting a fierce debate over competitiveness and costs.

Learn more here

#WA #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #CleanEnergy #UtilityRegulation

Myers proposes streamlined rate review for refuse utilities to curb multi-year cases Sen. Robert Myers introduced SB16 to allow refuse utilities to use Alaska’s simplified rate-filing procedure, aiming to shorten RCA rate cases that sponsors say stretch up to three years; industry witnesses backed the change and recommended pre‑filing education and clearer communication, and the committee set the bill aside for further consideration.

Sen. Robert Myers is pushing for a game-changing bill that could revolutionize how refuse utilities in Alaska handle rate reviews, potentially saving consumers from lengthy and costly increases!

Click to read more!

#AK #ConsumerProtection #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation #RateFiling

House Energy Committee weighs H.716 to freeze net‑metering adjuster; members split on scope The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee on Feb. 18 debated H.716, a bill to freeze a negative net‑metering adjuster at -4¢ and remove a behind‑the‑meter fee. Members said they support solar but disagreed about legislative rate setting, with many asking for a narrower amendment focused on behind‑the‑meter treatment and battery provisions.

The House Energy Committee is at a crossroads, debating whether to freeze a negative net-metering adjuster that could impact local solar jobs and future energy policies in Vermont.

Get the details!

#VT #CitizenPortal #CleanEnergy #UtilityRegulation #SolarJobs #VermontEnergy

AEA tells Senate committee SB150 would create Railbelt net‑metering program and reimbursement fund Alaska Energy Authority Director Curtis Thayer told the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee SB150 would establish a Railbelt net‑metering program with monthly credits (annual reset March 31), grandfather existing systems installed before 2025, and create an AEA‑administered reimbursement fund to offset eligible utility revenue losses under RCA regulation.

Alaska's Senate is on the verge of revolutionizing renewable energy with SB150, a new net-metering program that promises monthly credits for excess power generation and aims to protect consumers' interests.

Learn more here!

#AK #ConsumerCredits #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation #RenewableEnergy

Healy in Pittsfield opposes Berkshire Gas rate hike, announces temporary bill rebates Governor Healy told a Pittsfield audience he opposes a Berkshire Gas proposal that he said could raise local bills by as much as 25%, noted the administration testified against it, and described temporary rebates and an energy affordability bill with estimated savings.

Governor Maura Healy is fighting back against a proposed 25% rate hike from Berkshire Gas, promising immediate rebates and new legislation to save residents millions!

Click to read more!

#MA #CitizenPortal #EnergyAffordability #ConsumerRelief #UtilityRegulation #PittsfieldEnergy

Study of state investments in utilities fails to advance after heated debate and tie vote Senate Memorial 9, which sought a Legislative Finance Committee study into whether New Mexico should invest in utilities such as PNM and NMGas, drew extensive testimony for and against. An amendment removing the Public Regulation Commission and a subsequent due‑pass vote produced a tie; the memorial will not move forward from committee.

A heated debate over Senate Memorial 9 has left New Mexico's potential utility investments in limbo after a tie vote in committee, raising critical questions about the future of public benefit and private equity in energy.

Click to read more!

#NM #CitizenPortal #PublicBenefit #UtilityRegulation

Committee backs bill to expand RUCO intervention standard after testimony on capacity limits HB 21‑13 would require RUCO to intervene in residential rate cases where proposed increases double (100% or more). RUCO director told the panel the office has nine staff and a $1.9 million budget and may face jurisdictional and cost consequences if required to take every high‑increase case; the committee passed the bill with requests to continue conversation about rural representation.

A new bill could force RUCO to step in on massive utility rate hikes, but can they handle the pressure without more resources?

Click to read more!

#AZ #ArizonaResidential #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #RuralRepresentation #UtilityRegulation

Committee debates SB 40 amendment to VCEA as environmental groups and utilities clash Senate Bill 40, a substitute that would change how deficiency payments and penalties under the Virginia Clean Economy Act are applied to large commercial customers, drew sharp opposition from environmental groups and some utility critics who warned weakening penalties could erode compliance and long‑term clean energy goals. Sponsors said the changes would reduce immediate costs for ratepayers and provide flexibility to utilities facing supply‑chain constraints.

Virginia's Senate Bill 40 could reshape energy costs for consumers, but environmental advocates warn it may jeopardize the state's clean energy future.

Click to read more!

#VA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalPolicy #UtilityRegulation #RenewableInvestments #VirginiaCleanEnergy

Huntsville to join Entergy-area coalition, retain law firm and rate experts for PUCT cases Council approved an ordinance authorizing continued participation with other Entergy service-area cities and hiring lawyers and rate experts — a coalition effort the presenter said has operated for about 17 years to review Entergy filings at the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Huntsville City Council just took a bold step to protect its ratepayers by joining a coalition of 27 East Texas cities to challenge Entergy's rate increases!

Get the details!

#HuntsvilleWalkerCounty #TX #RatepayerProtection #CitizenPortal #HuntsvilleCities #UtilityRegulation #CoalitionSupport

Lawmakers press RCA on who would shoulder pipeline cost overruns and consumer protections During the Feb. 4 Senate Research Committee hearing, senators repeatedly asked RCA officials how cost overruns on a proposed in‑state pipeline would be allocated and what safeguards protect Alaska ratepayers; RCA said it will scrutinize prudently incurred costs and that rate‑impact reviews fall under AS 42.05.141(d).

Alaska lawmakers are demanding answers on who will foot the staggering $10.8 billion bill for the proposed natural-gas pipeline and how it could impact utility rates.

Get the details!

#AK #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #CostOverruns #AlaskaRatepayers #UtilityRegulation

The House Energy Committee is diving deep into HB 252, a critical bill aimed at wildfire mitigation for utilities, sparking intense debate over safety, liability, and community collaboration.

Get the details!

#AK #CitizenPortal #AlaskaWildfire #WildfireMitigation #PublicSafety #UtilityRegulation

Alaska bill would protect plug‑in portable solar devices from utility interference Representative Ted Eisheide introduced HB 257 to exempt certified portable plug‑in photovoltaic devices (1,200 watts or less) from utility interconnection rules while requiring national certification and National Electric Code compliance; committee members asked about aggregation, UL standards and small‑grid impacts.

A new bill in Alaska aims to empower homeowners with portable solar devices, promising lower electric bills and greater energy independence—could this be the future of clean energy?

Click to read more!

#AK #SustainableTechnology #CitizenPortal #EnergyIndependence #UtilityRegulation #AlaskaSolar

Senator Moon introduces bill to ensure consumers get monetary awards from utilities Senator Moon introduced Senate Bill 16 26 to address excessive charges by public utilities, saying the bill would ensure individuals who win awards in cases against utilities receive direct compensation rather than having awards paid to other entities.

Senator Moon's new bill aims to transform how consumers are compensated in disputes with utility companies, ensuring they receive the financial awards they deserve directly.

Learn more here!

#MO #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation #MissouriUtilities #ConsumerRights #FinancialCompensation

House committee shortens municipal utility notice from 18 to 6 months A House committee unanimously approved HB 313 to cut the statutory notice municipalities must give utility providers before a contract expires from 18 months to 6 months, with proponents calling the change a practical update to account for market shifts.

Kentucky is on the verge of a game-changing bill that could slash the notice period for municipal utility contracts from 18 months to just 6, aligning with today's fast-paced market realities!

Click to read more!

#KY #MarketAdaptability #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation #ContractReform

APS tells House committee it filed rate changes to make data centers "pay for growth" APS told the Arizona House AI & Innovation Committee it has filed a rate case and is pursuing contracts to ensure data-center customers pay new infrastructure costs, proposing a roughly 45% increase to the high-load data-center rate and tools such as minimum bills and queuing to avoid shifting costs to residential customers.

Arizona Public Service is pushing for a 45% rate increase on data centers to ensure they cover the costs of rapid industry growth, all while safeguarding residential customers.

Learn more here

#AZ #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureGrowth #EnergyAffordability #ArizonaDataCenters #UtilityRegulation

Bill would limit spreading infrastructure costs to other customers and require community benefit agreements for big energy users Rep. Donna Mears introduced HB259 to set contract standards for large energy‑use facilities (20 MW or thresholds tied to 20% of a utility's load), require community benefit agreements (CBAs), and bar utilities from passing project‑specific costs to other customers; the committee set the bill aside for invited and public testimony.

Rep. Donna Mears is championing a groundbreaking bill that could reshape Alaska's energy landscape by ensuring local communities have a say in large energy projects while protecting consumers from rising costs.

Learn more here!

#AK #EnergyPolicy #AlaskaCommunity #UtilityRegulation