WyomingSome electricity sales would be exempt from state utility oversight
Certain electricity sellers would qualify for exemptions based on how many customers they serve, their customers' electricity demand, or problems obtaining utility service.
What it does
Eligible sellers would be exempt from state utility oversight when serving one customer, or up to four with demand totaling at least five megawatts. Cooperative and city-owned utility areas are excluded.
Up to four customers could use exempt sellers if their utility fails to evaluate a request within six months or cannot supply service within one year or another agreed period. They must also be unable to agree on service terms.
Electricity sold under the proposed utility-oversight exemption would fall under state sales-tax rules. The tax exemptions referenced in Wyoming law would also apply.
Argument forCustomers facing service delays could have another supply option when their utility cannot meet the stated deadlines and agree on service terms.
Argument againstExempt sales could leave covered customers with less state utility oversight of the sellers providing their electricity.
More detail
Eligible sellers would be exempt from Public Service Commission oversight for electricity sales meeting either customer-size option. Sales must serve one customer, or up to four customers with combined electricity demand of at least five megawatts, within a public utility's assigned service area. The seller must not otherwise be a regulated public utility, an electric cooperative, or a city-owned utility. These options exclude service areas assigned to electric cooperatives or city-owned utilities. The proposal specified July 1, 2026, for its start and covered agreements entered into on or after that date. Earlier agreements would be protected, but customers and utilities could enter new agreements or renew them to follow these rules.
Eligible sellers would also be exempt from Public Service Commission oversight for sales meeting the service-delay conditions. This option covers sales to up to four customers within a public utility's assigned service area. The seller must not otherwise be a regulated public utility, an electric cooperative, or a city-owned utility. Customers must first request new or additional service from the utility assigned to their area. The utility must fail to evaluate the request within six months, or determine it cannot provide service within one year of the request or another agreed period. The customer and utility must also be unable to agree on a rate plan or service agreement. The proposal specified July 1, 2026, for its start and covered agreements entered into on or after that date. Earlier agreements would be protected, but customers and utilities could enter new agreements or renew them to follow these rules.
State sales-tax rules would expressly include electricity sold under the proposed utility-oversight exemption. The tax provision covers the price paid for electricity used in homes, businesses, and industry. The provision allows the sales-tax exemptions referenced in Wyoming law. The proposal specified July 1, 2026, as its effective date.
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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
- Feb 11H Failed Introduction 31-30-1-0-0Latest
- Vote recorded H Failed Introduction 31-30-1-0-0. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 10H Received for IntroductionMinor
- Feb 10Bill Number AssignedIntroduced
- Feb 11H Failed Introduction 31-30-1-0-0Latest
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