AK HB193

Amends AS 42.05.175(b) to require the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to issue a final order not later than 270 days after a complete tariff filing is made, removing the previous limitation that applied only to filings that do not change a utility's revenue requirement or rate design.

Modifies AS 42.05.175(h) to allow applications or suspended tariff filings to be automatically approved and go into effect immediately if the commission fails to issue a final order within the applicable timeline and does not extend the timeline.

Establishes and expands the function of public advocacy for regulatory affairs within the Department of Law, requiring the attorney general to participate as a party and independently investigate all relevant issues in matters before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska when participation is determined to be in the public interest.

Specifies six criteria the attorney general must consider when determining if participation is in the public interest, including consumer interests in reasonable rates, utility-specific consumer interests, public information access, fair market structures, and consumer interests unlikely to be represented by private parties.

Repeals AS 42.05.175(c), removing a provision related to tariff filing timelines.