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Bill

SB 406

Establishing utility energy conservation efficiency standards

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Pope

Montana bill requiring utilities to meet energy conservation efficiency standards died in committee without advancing to a floor vote.

(S) Died in Process
#energy #rulemaking #utilities
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Bill Summary · SB 406

Legislative bill overview

SB 406 would have established energy conservation efficiency standards that Montana utilities must meet. The bill died in the legislative process after being tabled in committee and missing the deadline for general bill transmittal during the 2025 session.

Why is this important

Energy efficiency standards can reduce consumer utility bills, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease strain on electrical grids. However, they also create compliance costs for utilities that may be passed to ratepayers and can affect utility profitability and investment decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Utility cost burden: Utilities may argue that efficiency standards require expensive infrastructure upgrades and compliance investments that increase operational costs
  • Ratepayer impact: Consumers could face higher utility bills in the short term to fund efficiency programs, though long-term savings may offset this
  • Regulatory scope: Disagreement over whether the state legislature should dictate efficiency requirements versus allowing the Public Service Commission to set standards through existing regulatory authority

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

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