Virginia HJ 489: Electric utilities; State Corporation Commission to study adequacy of tree-trimming practices.

Bill Text

2023SESSION
INTRODUCED
23100387D
1 HOUSEJOINTRESOLUTIONNO.489
2 OfferedJanuary11,2023
3 PrefiledJanuary9,2023
4 Requesting the State Corporation Commission to study the adequacy of tree-trimming practices of
5 electric utilities to ensure reliable electric service in the Commonwealth. Report.
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Patron––Bell
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8 ReferredtoCommitteeonRules
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10 WHEREAS, the provision of reliable electric service is paramount to the health and safety of all
11 Virginians; and
12 WHEREAS, the vulnerability of electric power systems to storm-related damage poses a significant
13 threat to the provision of reliable electric service; and
14 WHEREAS, one of the largest contributing factors to storm-related power outages is damage caused
15 by trees; and
16 WHEREAS, while all potential damage to electric systems caused by trees cannot be eliminated,
17 adequate tree trimming by electric utilities as part of a tree-trimming program and in anticipation of an
18 upcoming storm can significantly reduce storm-related power outages; now, therefore, be it
19 RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the State Corporation
20 Commission be requested to study the adequacy of tree-trimming practices of electric utilities to ensure
21 reliable electric service in the Commonwealth.
22 In conducting its study, the State Corporation Commission (the Commission) shall (i) review the
23 current tree-trimming practices of electric utilities; (ii) determine if the Tree-Trimming Guidelines (the
24 Guidelines) published by the Commission are consistent with national standards and best practices and
25 identify any necessary changes to the Guidelines; (iii) determine if such electric utility tree-trimming
26 practices are consistent with the Guidelines and national standards and best practices; and (iv) examine
27 any other issues deemed relevant by the Commission.
28 All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission for this study, upon
29 request.
30 The Commission shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2023, and shall submit to the
31 Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and
32 recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report
33 shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for
34 the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2024 Regular
35 Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.
INTRODUCED
HJ489
1/24/23
10:22