Bill > SB577

This bill introduces new regulations for electric utilities regarding waste storage costs from energy facilities. The bill defines an "electric utility" broadly to include public utilities, people's utility districts, municipal utilities, and cooperatives that provide electricity services. It requires the Public Utility Commission (for public utilities) or the governing body (for other types of utilities) to ensure that the costs of storing waste produced during electricity generation are recovered through utility rates. Furthermore, any person planning to develop an energy facility must disclose the anticipated waste storage costs to both the electric utility and the public before the facility's development. The legislation will take effect 91 days after the adjournment of the 2025 regular session of the Eighty-third Legislative Assembly, and it will be added to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) chapter 757, which covers utility regulations. The bill aims to increase transparency and ensure that the full environmental and operational costs of energy generation are accounted for in utility pricing.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB577