Bill > S1368

This bill establishes new provisions for "new large loads," which are defined as electrical demands of 30 megawatts or more added within a 36-month period, associated with a new or modified service entrance, and subject to a service contract with a public utility entered into on or after July 1, 2026. The bill requires public utilities to obtain approval from the "Commission," which refers to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, for any service contract with a new large load. Before providing service, the public utility must file the contract with the Commission, demonstrating that the new large load will not negatively impact service quality or reliability for existing customers, will fund its share of infrastructure investments necessitated by its demand, and that existing customers are protected from the new load's potential default. The Commission has 180 days to review and approve or deny the contract, and it will issue guidance to ensure that new large loads do not increase rates for other customers, also retaining jurisdiction to resolve any disputes. The bill also clarifies that a new large load cannot circumvent these rules by artificially splitting its demand across multiple service entrances or connections, and it will take effect on July 1, 2026, due to an declared emergency.

Government Affairs, Justice

State Affairs Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1368/