Relating to rate increase notice requirements for public utilities

Sponsored by the Senate Commerce Committee

Topics:Energy & utilities Utility rates

Same legislation: SSB 1178, HSB 189, HF 601

Write your legislators about itWhat changed before it passed

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedFebruary 21, 2023
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 21, 2023
Done: Senate committeeMarch 6, 2023
Done: Passes the SenateMarch 21, 202342–7
Skipped: House committeeSkipped
Done: Passes the HouseMarch 9, 202388–8
Done: To the GovernorApril 28, 2023
Done: Signed into lawApril 28, 2023

HF 601 became law → The same legislation passed as HF 601, so this version was set aside. Go to HF 601 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary Public utilities must now notify their customers about proposed price increases before they ask the Iowa utilities board for permission. These notices must explain how much a typical bill might change, how the review process works, and how customers can object or ask for a public hearing. Companies will send these notices using the same method customers already use to receive their regular bills.¹

Read the official explanation

This bill relates to rate increase notice requirements for public utilities. The bill modifies the date specified public utilities shall notify their customers of a proposed rate or charge increase from to days before the public utility files an application with the Iowa utilities board for the proposed rate or charge increase. The bill provides that a notice relating to rate increase information shall include an estimate of the bill impact for a typical customer, an explanation of the Iowa utilities board’s rate increase review process, and that the customer has a right to file an objection and request a public hearing. The bill provides that written notice of the increase shall be delivered in the same method that the customer elects to receive bills and other communications from the utility. The bill removes the requirement that the Iowa utilities board prescribe the manner and method that the notice is to be served.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed²

Senate subcommittee

Named February 21, 2023 (as SSB 1178). On February 28, 2023 it recommended passage. [].

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§476.6

How the Code works³

Lobbying

5 for · 3 against · 12 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Study bill

HSB 189Renumbered SSB 1178Renumbered

90th General Assembly

HF 601Became lawfrom HSB 189 SF 533Didn’t advancefrom SSB 1178