Kansas House Bill HB2736

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Prohibiting the closure of an electric generation facility without a reliable and readily dispatchable replacement and notification of such closure.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws governing electric utility operations, specifically addressing the management of energy resources. By requiring utilities to replace closed facilities with ones that meet reliability standards, the legislation seeks to prevent issues arising from the premature retirement of energy assets that could threaten the state's energy stability. This framework is pivotal for maintaining affordable and resilient energy, particularly as the state transitions away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy solutions and faces increasing demands for electric generation.

Summary

House Bill 2736 focuses on ensuring the reliability of electric generation facilities by establishing requirements for the closure or decommissioning of such facilities by electric public utilities. The bill mandates that any public utility planning to close an existing electric generation facility must notify the legislature and ensure that a replacement facility provides an equivalent or greater amount of reliable and readily dispatchable electric generation. This aims to mitigate disruptions in the energy supply and maintain compliance with the state’s energy demands.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention surrounding HB 2736 include concerns regarding the implications of stringent requirements on utilities' operational flexibility. Critics argue that the necessity of attaining equivalent generation capacity prior to decommissioning could delay the transition to cleaner energy, as public utilities might face challenges in securing timely replacements. Additionally, issues surrounding land use, eminent domain, and the financial implications of supporting existing infrastructure contribute to ongoing debates on the bill, as stakeholders weigh energy reliability against modernization and environmental considerations.