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HB 2128

Establishing reporting requirements for utilities that are members of a regional transmission organization

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Evan Hansen and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 2128 requires public utilities in regional transmission organizations to report annual voting activities, enhancing transparency and public accountability.

To House Energy and Public Works
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Bill Summary · HB 2128

Summary of House Bill 2128

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2128
  • Title: Establishing reporting requirements for utilities that are members of a regional transmission organization
  • Status: To House Energy and Public Works
  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Public Service Commission

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2128 aims to enhance transparency and accountability among public utilities that are members of a regional transmission organization (RTO). The bill mandates these utilities to report on their voting activities within the RTO, thereby ensuring that stakeholders are informed about decisions that may impact public interests.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new section to the West Virginia Code, specifically §24-3-11, which outlines the following requirements:

  1. Applicability:

    • The reporting requirements apply exclusively to public utilities that are members of a regional transmission organization.

  2. Annual Reporting:

    • Each public utility must submit a report to the Public Service Commission by February 1 of each year.
    • The report must detail any recorded votes cast by the utility or its affiliates at RTO meetings during the previous calendar year.

  3. Content of Reports:

    • The report must include:
      • All recorded votes cast by the public utility, regardless of prior disclosure.
      • Votes cast by any affiliate of the public utility when the utility itself did not vote.
      • A brief explanation of how each vote serves the public interest.

  4. Definitions:

    • The bill provides definitions for key terms such as "affiliate," "meeting," and "recorded vote" to clarify the scope of the reporting requirements.

Impact

  • Utilities: Public utilities that are members of an RTO will be required to maintain detailed records of their voting activities and provide annual reports, increasing their accountability.
  • Public Oversight: The bill aims to enhance public oversight of utility operations, ensuring that decisions made within RTOs are transparent and in the public's interest.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Utilities will need to adapt their internal processes to comply with the new reporting requirements, which may involve additional administrative work.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 29, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.
  • February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.
  • February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Energy and Public Works Committee.
  • March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.
  • March 12, 2025: Passed in the Executive Committee with a vote of 12-0.
  • March 27, 2025: Held on the calendar for second reading.
  • May 31, 2025: Rule 19(a) re-referred to the Rules Committee; third reading deadline extended.

This summary provides an overview of HB 2128, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative progress. The bill represents a significant step towards greater transparency in the operations of public utilities within regional transmission organizations.

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

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