The study, required by HB 279, is expected to take a comprehensive approach by reviewing existing literature on RTOs and surveying steps taken by states within the Pacific coast and mountain west regions regarding RTO involvement. Furthermore, it will collect input from a range of stakeholders including the Governor's Office and other relevant departments to gather insights that can substantiate the findings. A key aspect of this analysis will involve evaluating the potential effects on retail and wholesale electrical rates, which is crucial for the public and businesses alike.
Summary
House Bill 279 centers on the study of Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) by the Public Service Commission of Utah. The bill mandates the commission to explore the costs and benefits associated with the potential development or joining of an RTO, which is defined as an organized wholesale market intended to manage the dispatch and transmission of electricity across multiple states efficiently. This initiative is designed to assess how RTO membership could influence the state's energy landscape and its implications for local resident ratepayers.
Contention
While the bill does not introduce new regulatory powers or establish immediate changes in the law, it raises questions about the future direction of Utah's energy policy with respect to regional coordination. Notably, the implications for energy grid resiliency and economic development are highlighted as essential themes within the study, and stakeholders may have differing perspectives on the viability and advantages of such regional collaboration. The findings will ultimately be presented to the Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee, providing a foundation for any further legislative action.
Urging regional transmission organizations, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the United States Department of Energy, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and the United States