Vermont H. 593: An act relating to miscellaneous consumer protection provisions

Bill Text

BILL AS INTRODUCED H.593
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VT LEG #385961 v.1
H.593 1
Introduced by Representatives Sibilia of Dover and Campbell of St. Johnsbury 2
Referred to Committee on 3
Date: 4
Subject: Electric; transmission; interregional interconnections; agreements; 5
Department of Public Service; Public Utility Commission 6
Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to give the 7
Public Utility Commission approval authority over agreements entered into by 8
the Department of Public Service if they concern interregional transmission 9
projects. 10
An act relating to Public Utility Commission approval of interregional 11
transmission agreements 12
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 13
Sec. 1. 30 V.S.A. § 2 is amended to read: 14
§ 2. DEPARTMENT POWERS 15
(a) The Department of Public Service shall supervise and direct the 16
execution of all laws relating to public service corporations and firms and 17
individuals engaged in such business, including the: 18
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BILL AS INTRODUCED H.593
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VT LEG #385961 v.1
(g) In all forums affecting policy and decision making for the New England 1
region’s electric system, including matters before the Federal Energy 2
Regulatory Commission and the Independent System Operator of New 3
England, the Department of Public Service shall advance positions that are 4
consistent with the statutory policies and goals set forth in 10 V.S.A. §§ 578, 5
580, and 581 and sections 202a, 8001, 8004, and 8005 of this title. In those 6
forums, the Department also shall advance positions that avoid or minimize 7
adverse consequences to Vermont and its ratepayers from regional and inter-8
regional cost allocation for transmission projects. This subsection shall not 9
compel the Department to initiate or participate in litigation and shall not 10
preclude the Department from entering into agreements that represent a 11
reasonable advance to these statutory policies and goals. Any agreement 12
entered into by the Department that concerns interregional transmission 13
projects and interconnections shall be subject to Public Utility Commission 14
approval. 15
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Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 17
This act shall take effect on passage. 18