AR SB679

Establishes the Municipal Retail Choice Program Act allowing customers of certain municipal electric utilities to choose between two to four alternative power providers to reduce costs, increase price stability, or achieve renewable energy objectives.

Requires municipal electric utilities receiving more than 80% of power from a single provider to either terminate that contract or establish a retail choice program within two years if charged more than 50% above the previous year's rate (adjusted for consumption changes).

Mandates that before establishing a program, municipal governing bodies must determine cost allocation, stranded investment recovery, rates, power provider qualifications, retail options including renewable energy choices, customer eligibility, enrollment periods, transition timeline (not exceeding one year), and consumer safeguards.

Exempts power providers participating in municipal retail choice programs from Arkansas Public Service Commission jurisdiction, though the commission may prevent regulated utilities from disrupting or delaying programs.

Requires municipal utilities with active programs to evaluate costs and benefits at least every five years and permits discontinuation if the program is determined not to be in customers' best interests.