AR HB1055

Allows electric cooperative corporations (excluding generation and transmission cooperatives) to opt for self-regulation and exemption from Arkansas Public Service Commission jurisdiction if approved by a majority member vote, with at least 90 days' notice and three opportunities for member comments before voting.

Self-regulated cooperatives must set their own rates, terms, and conditions for service approximating costs, provide members 90 days' advance notice of rate changes, and make rates publicly available on their website.

Commission retains jurisdiction over self-regulated cooperatives for service areas, transmission facility siting requiring eminent domain, quality of service complaints, pole attachments, and ad valorem tax assessments.

Self-regulated cooperatives may return to commission jurisdiction if 10% of members petition for it or the board initiates a vote using the same procedures as the initial self-regulation vote, with majority approval required and 12 months to complete the transition.

Prohibits self-regulated cooperatives from conditioning electric service on non-electric offerings or using monopoly status to induce customers to switch from other utilities; allows return to commission regulation at any time through member petition or board action.