Electric utilities would document competitive bids for some transmission lines

An electric utility would have to include competitive-bidding information in its application for a transmission-line siting permit. This applies to transmission lines whose costs would be recovered through a regional transmission organization. The utility would have to show that qualified bidders were given an open and fair bidding opportunity. The application would have to state whether the utility selected the lowest reasonable bid. The information would be required when the utility files its siting-permit application, if the measure were enacted.

The state corporation commission would have to issue an order addressing the bidding process before permitting certain transmission lines. This applies to transmission lines whose costs would be recovered through a regional transmission organization. The commission could not issue the permit unless its order found that qualified bidders competed in an open and fair process. The order would also address whether the lowest reasonable bid was selected. The commission would still decide whether the line was needed and whether its location was reasonable. The commission would issue the bidding-related order as part of reviewing the permit application; the proposed act would take effect after publication in the statute book if enacted.