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HB 1409

Anatomical gifts.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Genda

HB 1409 aimed to ensure reliable electric service in Arkansas by regulating plant closures, protecting consumers from outages, and balancing traditional and renewable energy sources.

Authored by Representative Genda
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Bill Summary · HB 1409

Summary of House Bill 1409: Electric Reliability Act

Bill Number: HB 1409
Introduced: February 5, 2025
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Sponsor: Representative Long

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1409, titled the Electric Reliability Act, aimed to amend existing laws regarding energy in Arkansas. The primary goal of the bill was to ensure the reliability and affordability of electric utility services for residents and industries in the state. The bill sought to address concerns about the potential closure of coal and natural gas plants and the implications for electric service reliability.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code, specifically adding a new subchapter (Subchapter 13) under Title 23, Chapter 18. Key provisions included:

  1. Legislative Findings:

    • Recognized the critical dependence of Arkansas residents on reliable electric utility services for essential needs, including medical equipment and climate control.
    • Highlighted the risks associated with the closure of coal plants and the insufficient capacity of renewable energy sources like wind and solar to meet demand.

  2. Definitions:

    • Introduced terms such as "dispatchable" and "firm power," defining them in the context of electric utility service reliability.
    • Established performance standards for reliable power sources.

  3. Regulatory Measures:

    • Required the Arkansas Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure that no electric generation facility could be retired unless there was an equal or greater contracted new source of firm power available to replace it.
    • Mandated that the PSC consider closures in other states when assessing the need for replacement firm power in Arkansas.

  4. Federal Regulation Response:

    • Provided a mechanism for the PSC to seek waivers or court injunctions against federal regulations that could lead to the closure of electric generation facilities without adequate replacement power.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1409 would have had a significant impact on:

  • Electric Utility Providers: The bill would have imposed stricter regulations on the retirement of electric generation facilities, potentially affecting operational decisions for utility companies.
  • Consumers: By prioritizing reliability, the bill aimed to protect consumers from service interruptions, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
  • State Energy Policy: The legislation would have influenced Arkansas's approach to energy generation and regulation, particularly concerning the balance between traditional and renewable energy sources.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on February 5, 2025, and was read for the first time, with rules suspended for a second reading before being referred to the Committee on Insurance & Commerce.
  • Ultimately, the bill did not progress beyond the committee stage and was declared dead on May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment.

In summary, HB 1409 sought to enhance the reliability of electric utility services in Arkansas amid growing concerns about energy supply and infrastructure. However, it did not advance through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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