SSB 1149

This bill relates to electric power generation, energy storage, and transmission facility ratemaking principles. The bill modifies intent language to reflect an intent to attract energy storage for consumers in the state. The bill alters ratemaking principle processes and modifies when a rate-regulated public utility may seek a ratemaking principle. The bill provides that in addition to electric power generating facilities and alternate energy production facilities, the board shall specify the ratemaking principles applying to an energy storage facility. The bill provides that a rate-regulated public utility may seek ratemaking principles from the utilities board where there are construction-related costs of an electric power generating facility, an alternate energy production facility, an energy storage facility, or significant alterations to an existing electric power generating facility or energy storage. _____ to or greater than 300 megawatts or a combined-cycle electric power generating facility or an alternative energy production facility, or to significantly alter an existing generating facility or a new alternate energy production facility, the utility may seek ratemaking principles. The bill modifies the requirements for a significant alteration of an existing generating facility to qualify for the establishment of ratemaking principles. The bill provides that to qualify for ratemaking principles, the significant alteration can convert an electric power generating facility to a different fuel type, add carbon capture and carbon storage to an electric power generating facility, add a fuel type to an electric power generating facility, repower an alternate energy production facility, or add energy storage to an already existing electric power generating facility or energy storage facility. Current law provides that to qualify for ratemaking principles, the significant alteration can convert a coal-fueled facility into a gas-fueled facility, add carbon capture and carbon storage to a coal-fueled facility, add gas-fueled capability to a coal-fueled facility, add a biomass-fueled capability to a coal-fueled facility, or repower an alternate energy production facility. The bill provides that a utility investment to convert an electric power generating facility to a different fuel type, add carbon capture and carbon storage to an electric power generating facility, or add a fuel type to an electric power generating facility shall be eligible to apply the ratemaking principles established by an order issued prior to construction or lease of a facility. The bill provides that a rate-regulated public utility may seek ratemaking principles for leasing or owning a new electric power generating facility, energy storage facility, or a new alternate energy production facility. _____ generating capacity equal to or greater than 300 megawatts or a combined-cycle electric power generating facility, or a new alternate energy production facility may seek ratemaking principles. The bill applies to an application for new or changed rates, charges, schedules, or regulations filed by a public utility on or after the effective date of the bill.