AR SB271

Amends Arkansas Code § 23-3-201 to clarify when certificates of public convenience and necessity from the Arkansas Public Service Commission are required for new construction or operation of public service equipment and facilities.

Exempts from certificate requirements the replacement or expansion of existing equipment or facilities with similar equipment in substantially the same location, or rebuilding/upgrading/modernizing/reconstructing of facilities that increase capacity without requiring additional right-of-way.

Exempts construction or operation of equipment or facilities that have begun under a limited or conditional certificate or authority as provided in §§ 23-3-203 through 23-3-205.

Exempts extensions of public service within municipalities, districts already being served, territory then being served, or extensions necessary in the ordinary course of business.

Exempts generation and transmission cooperatives from certificate requirements for construction or operation of facilities where member cooperatives would not have required such certificates, and exempts major utility facilities as defined in the Utility Facility Environmental and Economic Protection Act.