Bill > HB55

This bill revises Montana's public utility resource planning laws by introducing several key changes to improve transparency, oversight, and efficiency in how public utilities plan and acquire electricity supply resources. The bill mandates that public utilities file integrated least-cost plans every three years, detailing their strategies for meeting customer energy needs cost-effectively. A significant new provision is the requirement for an independent evaluator to oversee competitive solicitation processes for electricity resources, ensuring fairness and transparency by monitoring bid evaluations, providing comments on the process, and preparing a public closing report. The bill increases public engagement by requiring utilities to hold more public meetings (four instead of two) during plan development and allows public comment periods. The Public Service Commission is given expanded rulemaking authority to develop guidelines for selecting and working with independent evaluators, and the commission must review utility plans within 120 days of receipt. Additionally, the bill requires utilities to maintain a public advisory committee and make committee membership and meetings more transparent. To support these new requirements, the bill includes an appropriation of $200,000 to the Public Service Commission and will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of improving resource planning and acquisition processes in Montana's utility sector.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0237