Bill > HB05469

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, introduces new regulations for "colocated electric suppliers" and "large electric load customers," which are defined as entities with a peak electricity demand of at least fifty megawatts. The bill requires these suppliers to be licensed by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and to provide at least 100% of the anticipated electricity demand of the large customer they serve, plus a reserve margin, from a new generation source or an increase in an existing one. While PURA can waive some requirements for these suppliers, they must still file annual reports and comply with renewable energy standards, though PURA may require them to retire more renewable energy credits for generation sources coming online after December 31, 2030. The bill also mandates that electric distribution companies and municipal utilities propose tariffs for large electric load customers connecting to the grid after October 1, 2026, ensuring these customers secure generation sources to meet their load and a reserve margin, and that these tariffs protect other ratepayers from increased costs. Furthermore, new large electric load customers will need to provide financial guarantees and demonstrate the uniqueness of their projects to protect ratepayers. PURA is tasked with initiating proceedings to implement these new requirements by January 1, 2027.