Bill > SB845

This bill provides the Public Utility Commission (PUC) with expanded authority to address issues with underperforming water utilities by establishing a comprehensive process for potential utility sales and emergency interventions. The bill defines key terms such as "incumbent water utility" and "safe and adequate service," and outlines specific conditions under which the PUC can order the sale of a water utility, including violations of regulatory standards, failure to provide safe water service, and risks to public health. Before ordering a sale, the PUC must provide written notice to the utility and allow opportunities for alternative actions like repairs, management reorganization, merging with other utilities, or municipal acquisition. The bill also increases the commission's emergency repair funding from $5,000 to $100,000 per biennium and allows the PUC to directly order utilities to make emergency repairs. Additionally, the legislation provides guidelines for determining the sale price of a utility and allows for deferral of transaction costs for acquiring entities. The bill aims to ensure water utilities maintain safe and adequate service by giving the PUC more flexible tools to intervene when utilities are not meeting basic operational standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB845