HB5005 - Relating to the authority of the Public Service Commission to order a capable proximate utility to operate a distressed or failing utility pursuant to a contract approved by the commission

1 Co-Sponsor

The purpose of this bill is to amend existing law to establish the authority of the commission to order a capable proximate utility to operate a distressed or failing utility pursuant to a contract approved by the commission. The purpose of the bill is also to authorize the commission to specify the terms and conditions of the contract if the parties are unable to mutually agree on the terms. The bill expands the permissible locations of a hearing under this article to within the county where the majority of the customers of the potentially distressed or failing utility reside, 25 miles of the utility's service area or the Commission's headquarters. Finally, the bill establishes that the commission has discretion whether to hold an evidentiary hearing (a public comment hearing is mandatory) and, if an evidentiary hearing is held, the bill specifies the evidence that the parties are to present.