Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB4097

Introduced

2/5/24

Refer

2/6/24

Refer

2/21/24

Report Pass

2/22/24

Engrossed

3/4/24

Refer

3/19/24

Caption

Public utilities; rights of electric transmission owners; bids; effective date.

Impact

The impact of HB 4097 is significant, as it reinforces the rights of electric transmission owners while also implementing a framework for competitive bidding for facility construction. This bidding process is overseen by an independent evaluator appointed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, ensuring transparency and fairness. Additionally, it streamlines the rights of incumbents to upgrade existing facilities, which could facilitate improvements in the energy infrastructure across the state, ultimately affecting service delivery to consumers.

Summary

House Bill 4097 addresses the rights of incumbent electric transmission owners regarding the construction and maintenance of local electric transmission facilities in Oklahoma. The bill defines local electric transmission facilities as those rated between 69 kilovolts and 300 kilovolts. It amends existing legislation to provide incumbent electric transmission owners with the authority to construct and maintain these facilities, as long as they comply with approved plans set by the Southwest Power Pool, an essential entity in regional energy coordination and planning.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4097 appears to be cautiously optimistic, particularly among utilities and industry stakeholders who support enhanced operational efficiencies and clearer guidelines for facility management. However, there may be concerns from other quarters about the implications of concentrated power among incumbent owners and the potential stifling of competition in the energy sector. It will be vital to monitor stakeholders' responses as the bill progresses.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance of power between incumbent electric transmission owners and the competitive market landscape. Critics may argue that while the bill aims to provide clarity and efficiency, it could inadvertently limit opportunities for new entrants in the market. Furthermore, the reliance on independent oversight for bid evaluations could raise questions about the efficacy of implementation and adherence to fair practices among established utilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB498

Public utility resources; modifying definitions. Effective date.

OK HB2241

Roads, bridges and ferries; public utilities on state highways; exempting municpally owned utilities from certain costs and expenses for removal and relocation; effective date.

OK SB1103

Electric utilities; creating the Ratepayer Protection Act of 2023. Emergency.

OK SB517

Electric utilities; creating the Wildland Fire Protection Act. Effective date.

OK HB2845

Retail Electric Supplier Certified Territory Act; exclusive rights; service; effective date.

OK SB801

Medical marijuana; requiring licensed medical marijuana commercial growers to inform retail suppliers or electric cooperatives license status; requiring monthly electricity and water usage reports. Effective date.

OK HB1711

Medical marijuana; requiring transmission of monthly usage reports in certain format to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority; codification; effective date.

OK HB2133

Motor vehicles; modifying definitions; limiting allowable power of certain electric motorcycles; effective date.

OK HB2824

Long-term care; transfer of employees, powers, duties, monies and contractual rights; informal dispute resolution process; effective dates; emergency.

OK HB2776

Uniform Commercial Code; clarifying scope of certain definitions; clarifying requirements for establishing control of electronic chattel paper; codification; effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB2747

Public utilities; electricity; alternatives; rates; deferrals reviews by Corporation Commission; assets; facilities; right of ways; emergency.

OK HB2751

Wind energy; legislative findings; setback requirement for certain affected counties; waiver; referral of question to eligible voters of a county; requiring Corporation Commission to maintain database; emergency.

OK HB2756

Electric transmission facilities; definitions; applications; certificates; information; hearings; notice; meetings; public; plans; approval; rules; codification; emergency.

AR HB1813

To Adopt The Fair And Efficient Transmission Compact.

ND HCR3014

A concurrent resolution urging the Southwest Power Pool and Midcontinent Independent System Operator to take prompt and decisive actions to maintain the reliability of the Bulk Power System by correcting market failures that have allowed capacity retirements to outpace replacement.

OK SB279

Electric transmission; requiring transmission developer to submit certain application for certificate of authority prior to transmission development. Emergency.