Bill > LB1259

This bill, known as the Grid Modernization Act, establishes a framework for managing large-scale electricity service requests and the development of new generation systems. It defines terms like "public power utility" (entities providing electricity service) and "large-load customer" (customers with significant electricity demand). The Act outlines procedures for these large customers to request service, requiring detailed information about their needs and financial capabilities. Public power utilities must then conduct an "evaluation" (an assessment of system impacts and costs) and provide a service proposal. The bill allows for contracts with either public power utilities or "large-scale generation providers" (entities not public power utilities that supply electricity to large customers), with all associated "large-load incremental costs" (costs for necessary infrastructure and services) to be borne by the large-load customer. The Nebraska Power Review Board (the "Board") plays a key role in reviewing and approving these contracts, ensuring that existing ratepayers do not bear the costs of serving these large loads. The Act also addresses situations where customers might opt for "closed private generation systems" (independent generation not connected to the public grid) or "connected generation systems" (generation connected to the public grid but operating independently of a public power utility's generation resources). Finally, the bill mandates a review of the Act every three years and requires the Board to develop rules for allocating transmission costs for large-load contracts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63345