AB 900

This bill requires each investor-owned electric public utility (electric utility) to

prepare and submit an integrated resource plan to the Public Service Commission

(PSC). The bill defines "integrated resource plan" as a 20-year plan of an electric

utility for doing all of the following: 1) meeting forecasted demand for electric energy

through a combination of supply-side and demand-side resources; 2) evaluating

certain costs in meeting the forecasted demand; 3) identifying the mix of resources

that would minimize future energy system costs and ensure safe and reliable electric

service; and 4) decreasing the use of imported fossil fuel, increasing energy efficiency,

and reducing electric bills. Regarding the second item, the costs that must be

evaluated are those associated with the options specified in the state energy

priorities law, which prioritizes options for meeting energy demands.

The bill requires an electric utility to submit an integrated resource plan to the

PSC no later than July 1, 2016. If the PSC determines that an electric utility's plan

satisfies the above definition, the PSC must approve the plan. However, if the PSC

determines that the plan does not satisfy the definition, the PSC must order the

electric utility to make revisions and resubmit the plan for the PSC's approval. Also,

before approving a plan, the bill requires the PSC to provide an opportunity for the

public to comment on the plan. In addition, the PSC must make approved plans

available to the public through the PSC's Internet site.

The bill also requires the PSC to submit an energy study report to the

legislature no later than July 1, 2017. The report must do all of the following: 1)

assess current and future energy supply and demand; 2) evaluate the integrated

resource plans submitted under the bill; 3) demonstrate how the PSC considered the

integrated resource plans in assessing energy supply and demand; 4) evaluate the

costs of meeting future energy demand that are associated with the options specified

in the state's energy priorities law; 5) examine policies under state law, rules, and

orders affecting energy supply and demand; 6) make a comparative analysis of those

policies with policies in other states; and 7) identify challenges and opportunities for

ensuring that energy supply adequately meets energy demand. In preparing the

report, the bill requires the PSC to consult with the Department of Administration

and the Department of Natural Resources.