Bill > SB838

This bill modifies provisions related to nuclear energy and electric transmission facilities by allowing electric transmission facilities, including high-voltage and interstate lines, to be installed and maintained within highway rights-of-way under specific engineering, safety, and access requirements, with the commission and the department of transportation tasked with developing uniform criteria for their placement and ensuring safety and avoiding duplication. It also amends existing laws to allow the state's energy authority to finance and support energy production from sources other than fossil or nuclear fuels, and it updates definitions and requirements for renewable energy resources, including the addition of eligible battery energy storage systems that will receive a bonus credit for compliance with renewable energy portfolio requirements. Furthermore, the bill prohibits electric utilities from recovering costs for construction work in progress on nuclear power generating facilities through surcharges or mechanisms outside of general rate proceedings and prevents nuclear energy-related costs from being recovered through any surcharge or ratemaking mechanism outside of a general rate proceeding. Finally, it establishes a framework for a "zero emission credit" program, allowing the public service commission to authorize electric utilities to offer or participate in such a program for electricity generated from nuclear power or other future zero-emission technologies that become operational after December 31, 2028, while also stipulating that the commission cannot increase an electric utility's allowed return on equity solely for constructing a zero-emission facility.