Wyoming Senate Bill SF0095

Wyoming 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/22
• Failed: 3/11/22

Caption

Public utilities-service in other territory.

Impact

The enactment of SF0095 is expected to have significant implications for how public utilities expand and provide services in Wyoming. By restricting services to designated territories, the bill aims to reduce conflicts between utility providers and promote fair competition. Critics argue that this may limit consumer choices and hamper competition, as existing utilities may operate without the threat of new entrants in their service areas, potentially leading to complacency in service quality and pricing.

Summary

Senate File No. SF0095 addresses the regulation of public utilities within Wyoming. The bill specifies that no new certificates of convenience and necessity shall be authorized for services provided to customers in another public utility's territory. This regulation aims to prevent overlapping service areas and ensure that utilities operate within their designated zones. The bill requires the public service commission to enforce these rules by ordering public utilities to cease operations that infringe upon another utility's territory, as well as provision for just compensation in such cases.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF0095 include concerns from advocacy groups and some legislators regarding the potential negative impacts on consumer rights and competition. While proponents of the bill argue it will simplify regulatory processes and protect existing utilities' service areas, opponents fear it could stifle innovation and fail to incentivize improvements in service. The debate centers on balancing the need for structured utility operations against the importance of consumer choice and the potential benefits of competitive markets.