Commission would review utility capacity choices and storm resilience costs

The State Corporation Commission would review a Phase I utility's decision to use a fixed resource requirement alternative for its capacity obligations, and the utility would file a report explaining that decision. The review covers a Phase I utility and its parent company, as well as the utility's generation and distribution services. The report must explain the basis for the decision. The report must compare historical costs of the fixed resource requirement alternative with comparable regional capacity and energy market prices. The Commission may require additional information during the rate review. The review and report apply during the Commission's 2026 review of the utility's rates, terms, and service conditions.

The State Corporation Commission would review the utility's efforts to improve electric system efficiency, resilience, and reliability, allow public comment, and issue recommendations. The review covers severe-weather risks, utility practices in similar regions, utility energy-efficiency programs, and possible state support for grid resilience investments. The review must identify ways to reduce customers' reasonable costs and find possible savings. The Commission must consider whether more state resources are needed when federal resilience funding, financing, or tax incentives decline. The Commission may include this report in its annual report. The Commission must provide the review report to the Governor and the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation by September 1, 2027.