Video & Transcript Research : 'utility tariffs'
Page 93 of 486
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Utilities were able to utilize the revenue derived from the Wren credits, which is renewable identification
- And then number two, here's where my utilities are. Here's where my utilities are.
- For the utilities, I understand that many of you may have been contacted by utilities.
- Our other utilities, monopoly-owned utilities, don't have that same financial construct or agreement
- to relocate a utility.
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections.
The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders.
HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill revises utility wildfire mitigation plans to consider cost efficiencies, to allow... ...utility
- Utilities can seek bankruptcy protection.
- I share your belief that utility health is important for California.
- are really utilizing.
- . cheaper for us or a public agency to borrow than a utility.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard two bills focused on electricity affordability and utility costs. AB 745, by Assembly Member Irwin, would restructure the California Climate Credit by shifting it from lump-sum payments to direct reductions in volumetric electricity rates and moving the credit to the summer months when bills are highest. The author and UC Santa Barbara economist Dr. Kyle Meng argued this could significantly lower summer rates and better help households during extreme heat. Supporters, including UCS, NRDC, and some labor representatives, favored the concept, with some urging that the gas climate credit also be redirected. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill passed 18-0 to the floor.
The committee then considered AB 825, also presented as an affordability package aimed at reducing electric bills by addressing wildfire mitigation costs, transmission financing, permitting delays, and a review of ratepayer-funded programs. The bill would authorize securitization for undergrounding expenses, remove the first $15 billion in undergrounding capital investments from the rate base for return purposes, create a public transmission financing program using Proposition 4 funds and IBank support, revive the California Power Authority as a public sponsor, and establish a task force to review energy efficiency and demand response programs. The author and witness Matt Friedman of The Utility Reform Network said the bill could save ratepayers billions over time through lower-cost public financing and securitization.
Testimony on AB 825 was mixed. Support came from several consumer and clean-energy groups, while utilities and labor raised concerns about the bill’s impact on utility financial stability, wildfire fund participation, liability, and whether the $15 billion securitization cap could discourage undergrounding. Some witnesses also objected to the task force’s potential effect on energy efficiency and demand response programs. Committee members discussed the need to balance affordability with utility creditworthiness and wildfire safety, and several asked for more analysis of market impacts and liability issues. Despite those concerns, AB 825 passed the committee 13-0 and was sent to the floor.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Energy Resources S/C Underground Facility Safety Oct 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We enable accurate and timely utility locates.
- Brooks-Smith Special Utility District. is a member of the 8-1-1 system.
- These locates need to give the utilities more time.
- You have a- contractor who's delayed another utility from getting paid to put utilities in the ground
- utility network, ensuring that public and private utility assets. are preserved and protected during
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The vast majority of that is utility-scale operations.
- Seventh, to get at the non-energy drivers of utility rates, because there are reasons why utility rates
- I do not see any speaker cards for a utility.
- I do not see any speaker cards for a utility.
- The Legislature is given the Commission authority over utility cost, that box that is the utilities cost
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably.
Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably.
The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/10/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- accountable, more accountable utility accountable, more accountable utility service<00:08:10.080
- and gas utilities distribution utilities and gas utilities to<00:38:31.200>
file <00:38:31.440 - with the public utilities commission. with the public utilities commission.
- utilities would be required to produce. utilities would be required to produce.
- the utilities remain firmly in place. the utilities remain firmly in place.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- California residents do face the second-highest utility rates in the nation, while utility companies
- As utility bills continue to rise, utilities have been cutting spending in several areas, including ratepayer
- the financial accounts of the utility.
- outside of energy utilities.
- utility debt.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, clean energy, and consumer access. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection and accountability measure, while utilities and industry groups raised concerns about municipalization language and data-request procedures. After discussion about the scope of the bill and existing guardrails from prior legislation, the committee voted SB 327 out on a due pass as amended basis to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later updated to 12-2.
SB 1350, a hydrogen bill, would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen in turbines. The author and supporters said it would help California meet clean energy goals, support the Lancaster hydrogen project, and create jobs, while opponents, especially environmental groups, warned about NOx emissions, the risk of paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on feedstocks and delivery. Members discussed amendments already taken and the need for continued work on environmental protections; the committee passed the bill 14-0 to Natural Resources.
SB 868 would create a framework for plug-in or balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar, with safety standards and a cap on system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar, while utilities and some others raised safety and backfeed concerns and asked for more review through existing interconnection processes. The author and witnesses said the devices are small, non-exporting, and covered by safety certifications; the committee approved the bill 17-0, later updated to 18-0, and sent it to Appropriations.
SB 1233 would require additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related information in existing reports to help inform rates and affordability. Utilities opposed the measure as duplicative of existing proceedings and potentially delay-inducing, while supporters said it would improve transparency for ratepayers. The committee passed SB 1233 10-3 to Appropriations. The committee also dispensed with the consent calendar, passing the remaining consent items, including SB 925, SB 667, SB 952, SB 742, SB 929, SB 943, and SB 1138, and noted that SB 905 had been pulled from the agenda.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:32 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- , software providers that work closely with the utilities. ...relationships between utilities, software
- We are in discussions with the utilities.
- The problem was we simultaneously were trying to force the utilities to increase... to force the utilities
- In a case where the utility is providing smart thermostats, because the utility does not manufacture
- Typically, those companies work very closely with utilities to facilitate utility relationships with
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- California residents do face the second highest utility rates in the nation, while utility companies
- As utility bills continue to rise, utilities have been cutting spending several times on ratepayer dollars
- the financial accounts of the utility.
- outside of energy utilities.
- utility debt.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, and clean energy. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection measure, while utilities and telecom/broadband interests opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about scope and participation in regulatory proceedings. After questions about how it differed from AB 1167 and how PAO discovery disputes are handled, the committee passed SB 327 as amended to Appropriations on an 11-2 vote, later reopening the roll to 12-2.
SB 1350 would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with the author and supporters emphasizing hydrogen’s role in decarbonization, grid reliability, jobs, and the Lancaster/ARCHES project. Environmental groups opposed the bill unless amended, warning about NOx emissions, paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on hydrogen sourcing and delivery. The committee discussed amendments, including a minimum 20% hydrogen blend and emissions-related guardrails, and passed the bill to Natural Resources on a 14-0 vote, later reopening the roll to 18-0.
SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, would create a framework for small plug-in balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar access, while setting safety standards and limiting system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar; utilities and some public power entities raised safety and backfeed concerns, arguing interconnection review under Rule 21 remains necessary. After extensive discussion of safety, certification, and export limits, the committee passed SB 868 as amended to Appropriations on a 17-0 vote, later reopening the roll to 18-0. SB 1233, a transparency bill requiring additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related reporting, drew utility opposition over duplicative processes and possible delays, but was passed as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote, later reopened to 11-3. The committee also approved the consent calendar unanimously and adjourned after reopening the rolls for absent members to add on.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oversight Committee for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency -LOFT- Feb 26th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Oversight Committee for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT)
Transcript Highlights:
- of utilization needed.
- Utilize a badge utilization.
- It's said 51% utilization. Yeah, that's what it was. OMES owned 34% utilization. Agency owned 34%.
- Utilization privately owned 51% utilization.
- Can utilize inside of a building. And so I can't speak to how they got to the 51% utilization.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The vast majority of that is utility-scale operations.
- Seventh, to get at the non-energy drivers of utility rates, because there are reasons why utility rates
- I do not see any speaker cards for a utility.
- The legislature has given the commission authority over utility cost, that box that is the utilities
- The legislature has given the commission authority over utility cost, that box that is the utilities'
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills, all of which were reported favorably. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated “glitch bill” to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to lawsuits aimed at banning fuel sources; it was supported by the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and passed without debate. SB 364 on public accountancy was described as a modernization and licensure-efficiency bill to increase the supply of CPAs; an amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. A public comment on the bill was briefly redirected after it appeared to address a different subject.
The committee then took up SB 200 on utilities, which addresses solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. Chair Bradley said the bill would authorize counties to require decommissioning plans for utility-scale solar facilities at the end of their useful life, direct DEP to develop best management practices, and require the Public Service Commission to consider whether storm protection plan costs are reasonable relative to expected customer benefits. County and consumer groups spoke in support, and the Small County Coalition said the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development; the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, which was presented as a reform and “glitch” bill and amended to add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order explanations, tighten intervention requirements, cap returns on equity at the national average for comparable utilities, set periodic ROE review schedules, and require affordability to be considered in rate-related proceedings. The PSC staff deputy executive director answered extensive questions about storm hardening, cost recovery, risk, and affordability. Several members and public speakers supported the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the affordability standard, the ROE cap, and comparisons to other states; others said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The amendment was adopted, and CS for SB 126 was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Utility executive compensation 3/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:20.479>
in invest large investor-owned utilities in invest large investor-owned utilities - utility watchdog a national utility watchdog organization,<00:09:50.560>
but <00:09:50.800> - The current process requires the utility The current process requires the utility to<00:20:15.200
- provision of the utility service. provision of the utility service.
- over the utilities?
Summary:
The committee heard House File 76, as amended by the adopted A1 amendment, and the chair moved the bill to be re-referred to the general register. The bill would limit the amount investor-owned utilities can charge ratepayers for executive compensation, capping recoverable pay for the top 10 executives at the governor’s salary. Representative Greenman argued the measure would protect customers from paying for lavish executive pay and said it would not affect what executives are paid, only what can be recovered from ratepayers. She cited recent Public Utilities Commission action and ongoing rate cases as evidence the issue is real and recurring.
Supportive testimony came from a Minneapolis resident describing financial hardship and rising utility bills, a local worker who said customers have no choice of utility provider and should not fund monopoly executive pay, and advocates from the Energy and Policy Institute and Utility Reform Now, who said ratepayers should not subsidize excessive compensation and that the bill is a targeted reform. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy opposed the bill’s premise by defending the current regulatory process. Their representatives said the PUC already reviews executive compensation in rate cases, generally allows only limited recovery, and has used that process for decades. Xcel also emphasized its affordability programs and said executives help secure savings and investments for customers.
Members discussed whether the legislature should set a bright-line rule or leave the issue to the PUC. Representative Greenman said the bill is needed because the PUC process can take years and the legislature should establish a clear standard for all investor-owned utilities. Some members supported the bill as a response to an affordability crisis and the lack of consumer choice, while others said the legislature should focus on broader energy-cost issues and existing regulatory tools. The committee did not take a final vote on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was moved for re-referral to the general register.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Going after late fees charged by utilities 3/10/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Two, it prohibits utilities from charging reconnection fees when someone's energy utility is shut off
- than 129 million passed due on utility than 129 million passed due on utility bills<00:03:02.959
- <00:03:20.159>
bills, struggling to pay their utility bills, struggling to pay their utility - They if they can't pay the utility.
- Um the other part is um in utility.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3912, as amended, and the author moved that the bill be laid over for consideration in a future omnibus bill. The amendment was adopted without objection. Representative Holland described the bill as an energy affordability measure that would bar utilities from charging certain fees during the cold weather rule for customers above 50% of state median income, prohibit reconnection fees after shutoff for nonpayment, and create a framework for regulating late fees. He argued that late fees are often high, compound monthly, and disproportionately burden low-income households, citing utility debt and disconnection figures and noting that the need for relief is concentrated in greater Minnesota.
Annie Levenson Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board supported the bill, saying reconnection fees and late fees fall on households already struggling to pay for essential service. She said reconnection fees should be treated as part of the cost of doing business and that late fees should be limited to a reasonable approximation of actual carrying costs, with protections for low-income customers. She also said the issue is already being considered in utility rate cases before the Public Utilities Commission, but that legislative action is still appropriate.
Nick Martin of Xcel Energy and Katherine O'Donnell of CenterPoint Energy opposed the bill in its current form while emphasizing their companies’ commitment to affordability and customer assistance. Xcel said the bill would shift reconnection costs to other customers and could undermine a proposed arrears management program funded by late payment charges; Xcel also noted that the PUC is already reviewing these issues in its rate case. CenterPoint said it already offers extensive outreach, payment plans, and assistance programs, does not charge late fees once a customer is on a payment plan, and that its reconnection fee does not fully cover costs. After testimony and brief discussion, the chair noted the helpful information from utilities, the author said he was open to further work on the bill, and the bill was laid over.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/17/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- attorney at the Public Utilities attorney at the Public Utilities Commission<00:05:20.400>
they - <00:08:56.200>
Commission Utilities Commission Utilities Commission dockets<00:08:58.920>that - through our Utility through our Utility Partners<00:30:33.159>
is <00:30:33.360>in - hoping to have the Public Utilities hoping to have the Public Utilities Commission<00:53:28.960>
- utility customers utilities from utility customers provides<01:19:04.520>
Outreach <01:19:04.920
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/10/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- done um and talking with the utility done um and talking with the utility folks<00:07:55.120>
- that they're not utilizing or they're that they're not utilizing or they're utilizing<00:31:18.000
- cents across a wide variety utilities cents across a wide variety utilities many<00:45:28.319>
- bodies that they are procuring utility bodies that they are procuring utility scale<00:45:33.800
- generating utility utility company generating utility company<01:14:53.280>
that <01:14:53.400
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And all DSM programs that utilities offer are not utility sponsored.
- The utility may say yes or no.
- The utility may say yes or no.
- The utility may say yes or no.
- The utility may say yes or no.
Summary:
The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs.
Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency.
The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- What I will say is we're talking about the purchase of a utility, a privately owned utility that serves
- the needs of the public, a utility that is also a monopoly, a utility that is making a profit.
- utility.
- as customers of the utility, but also as owners of the utility and would take that interest more to
- in utilities.
Keywords:
youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As a water utility, Solz is both an excavator and an owner of underground utilities.
- Water utilities are a bit different from other operators of underground utilities.
- Each notification costs utility of roughly around $1 150 cents a request. Utility bears that cost.
- Again, utilities Code Chapter 251.
- The utility districts.
Bills:
HB206
Keywords:
HB206, school district bonds, bond election, voter approval, Education Code, Chapter 45, Section 45.003, Section 45.0034, Texas schools, school finance, local tax election, bond referendum, school construction, capital improvements, election frequency, five-year waiting period, district bonds, public school funding
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the public utilities commissioners do.
- One is the current investor-owned utility model.
- PG&E currently is not an investment-grade utility.
- If the utility owns, operates, and maintains...
- Only the investor-owned utilities are.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 13, which would restructure the CPUC to increase legislative oversight, add legislative liaisons, require more detailed and timely reporting on rate-setting decisions, and add a public advocate member. The author and supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and geographic diversity in CPUC decision-making amid rising utility rates. Witnesses from TURN, San Joaquin County, SDG&E, and former CPUC Commissioner Loretta Lynch offered support or support-in-principle, while no opposition testimony was presented. Members generally praised the bill’s transparency goals, and AB 13 passed 10-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for absent members.
The committee then adopted the 2025-2026 committee rules and approved three consent items: AB 61, AB 365, and AB 406. The next bill, AB 99, would cap investor-owned utility rate increases above inflation except for specified costs such as safety, modernization, and fuel/commodity costs. The author and supporters, including a representative of the California Senior Legislature, said the bill was needed to protect ratepayers, especially seniors and low-income customers, from repeated rate hikes. Opposition came from utility labor, utilities, the Chamber of Commerce, and others, who argued the bill was too simplistic, could suppress labor costs, and did not account for major cost drivers such as wildfire mitigation, mandates, and net metering. Several members supported moving the bill forward as a starting point on affordability, while others criticized it as overly blunt. AB 99 passed 11-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open.
The hearing then shifted to an informational panel on strategies to reduce California transmission costs. A Public Advocates Office staffer described a growing backlog of approved-but-unbuilt transmission projects, rising transmission access charges, and long project timelines driven largely by utility pre-application and construction periods. Panelists from Net Zero California and consulting firms presented research suggesting that public financing or public-private partnership lease models could reduce transmission costs by lowering financing, tax, and capital costs, with estimated savings of up to 57% and as much as $123 billion over 40 years. PG&E’s representative said the utility is already pursuing federal loan guarantees, grants, and a public-private partnership with Citizens Energy, but warned that state ownership could create tax, wildfire-liability, and governance risks. Members asked about the CPUC’s role, the causes of delays, and whether public financing could complement existing competitive solicitation processes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/19/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, these costs are financed at a low interest rate through the utilities' ability to issue low-cost
- utilities. tool used in more than 30 States uh in tool used in more than 30 States uh in case<00:01:
- Then the PUC could approve a utility to issue bonds.
- Those events can put serious burdens on both the utilities and our customers.
- The utility doesn't have to request securitization.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 03/24/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- I know the utility companies will try their best to collect from them.
- So this bill, if a utility company is under investigation, can't shut off the utilities until 120 days
- There has to be notices that go out to the utility...
- There has to be notices that go out to the utility customers that the utility company is under investigation
- So the utility company will be made whole.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Cameron Parker, considered a large agenda focused on utility consumer protections, rate transparency, NYSERDA oversight, and energy transition policy. Several bills were discussed in detail, including measures to prohibit residential utility shutoffs during extreme temperature forecasts (Bill 120A), delay shutoffs and late fees while a utility is under certain PSC investigations (Bill 904B), require disclosure of planned rate increases (Bill 4989A), limit certain utility charges after 12 months (Bill 8710), and require utilities to disclose more information with major rate change applications (Bill 9433A). The committee also considered bills on net energy metering credits (Bill 1553), reconnection for low-income customers (Bill 965), sanctions and civil penalties (Bill 8908), and annual NYSERDA reporting obligations (Bill 1819).
Members raised recurring concerns about affordability, arrears, and who ultimately bears costs when utilities are prevented from collecting immediately. Senator Walczyk repeatedly questioned whether protections would shift costs to other ratepayers, while sponsors and the chair emphasized that the bills did not erase arrears but created temporary consumer protections. Senator May noted that some proposals could produce significant savings for ratepayers. On Bill 1819, Senator Walczyk supported greater accountability for NYSERDA’s use of ratepayer-funded money. Bill 1668, which would authorize NYSERDA to administer grants for switching residents to electric heat pumps, drew questions about funding; staff said it would be funded off-budget from existing sources and would have no direct state cost, though it could require shifting existing program resources.
The committee advanced most bills to third reading after motions and votes, with several measures receiving no votes but still moving forward. Bill 2477 was held for possible amendments. Bill 4989A was referred to the Consumer Protection Committee. Bill 5111, the Just Energy Transition Act, prompted extended discussion about its study timeline and a PSC order to facilitate replacement and redevelopment of at least 4 gigawatts of fossil fuel generation; the bill was advanced to third reading after debate. The meeting concluded with adjournment after the committee completed its agenda.