OregonCommission approval can let utilities finance insurance costs through bonds
A utility's commission-approved self-insurance or captive insurance costs may qualify for bond financing, with customer charges allowed only if the commission authorizes them.
What it does
Costs for a utility's commission-approved self-insurance or captive insurance program are listed as expenses that may qualify for bond financing. A commission order must authorize bonds or customer charges for these costs.
Argument forUtilities could spread approved insurance costs over time by using bonds, if the commission authorizes recovery and customer charges.
Argument againstCustomers may face charges to repay bonds if the commission authorizes utility insurance costs for recovery through customer bills.
More detail
The law lists approved utility self-insurance and captive insurance costs as rate recovery expenditures. This covers a public utility's self-insurance or captive insurance program. The Public Utility Commission must approve the insurance program. A commission order must authorize any bond issuance or customer charges for these costs. The law takes effect on the 91st day after the 2026 regular session adjourned.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 6Chapter 47, (2026 Laws): Effective date June 5, 2026.Latest
- Mar 31Governor Tina Kotek signed.Became Law
- Mar 5President signed.Major
- Mar 4Speaker signed.Major
- Mar 2Third reading. Carried by Robinson. Passed.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Robinson. Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 27Second reading.Minor
- Feb 27Recommendation: Do pass.Minor
- Feb 25Public Hearing and Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 19Referred to Energy and Environment.Minor
- Feb 19First reading. Referred to President's desk.Minor
- Feb 17Third reading. Carried by Lively. Passed.Passed House
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Lively. Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 16Second reading.Minor
- Feb 13Recommendation: Do pass.Minor
- Feb 12Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 10Public Hearing held.
- Feb 2Referred to Climate, Energy, and Environment.Minor
- Feb 2First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.Introduced
Environment & Energy