Bill > H0756

This bill establishes new regulations for "new large loads," which are defined as any new or increased electricity demand reaching or exceeding twenty megawatts (20 MW) within five years. The core provision requires that any electric service agreement for such a load must be approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) and undergo a "no-harm test" to ensure that existing consumers do not face any rate increases as a result. This test will evaluate all incremental costs and risks associated with serving the new large load, including new resources, reliability impacts, financial risks, and opportunity costs. The applicant for the new large load will be responsible for the costs of this test, and the Commission will periodically re-evaluate the impact on existing consumers. The bill also mandates that new large loads provide financial security to protect utilities against stranded investments if the contracted power requirement is not met, and includes provisions for exit fees to prevent rate increases for existing customers if the load leaves.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0756/