SB 1538
Initials CW/TM Page 1 Natural Resources, Energy & Water
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
Senate: GOV DP 4-3-0-0 | 3
rd
Read 16-11-3-0-0
SB 1538: corporation commission; non-thermal generating unit
Sponsor: Senator Carroll, LD 28
Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Overview
Expands the definition of plant in relation to powerplant and transmission line siting to
include non-thermal generating units and increases the nameplate rating from at least one
hundred to two hundred megawatts.
History
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) oversees utility services in the state of Arizona,
including the supervision of electric generating plants and transmission lines. The
Powerplant and Transmission Line Siting Committee within the ACC has jurisdiction over
proposed plants generating over 100 megawatts or more and proposed above -ground
transmission lines designed for 115kv or higher. Currently, in order to construct power plant
or transmission lines Commission and Committee approval is required as well as a public
hearing (ACC).
Siting and permitting of interstate and inter-regional high-voltage transmission requires
action by various authorities governing federal, state, local, tribal and private lands where
the lines will be located. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 declares its national policy is to
enhance and, to the extent possible, increase the coordination and communication among
federal agencies with authority to site electric transmission facilities (DOE).
Nameplate rating refers to the maximum rated output of electric power production
equipment, as designated by the manufacturer, commonly expressed in megawatts and
indicated on a physical nameplate attached to the generator (EIA).
Provisions
1. Modifies the definition of plant to include non-thermal energy generating units and
increases the nameplate rating to at least 200 megawatts or more. (Sec.1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☒ Fiscal Note