AR SB307

Creates the "Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025" establishing a new rider mechanism for public utilities to recover costs of strategic investments in electric and natural gas infrastructure, including power plants of 100+ MW, transmission facilities over 100 kV, and natural gas transmission lines

Allows investor-owned utilities to recover construction work in progress costs through annual rider updates, with commission approval required within 90 days; caps rate increases at 10% below national average unless utilities demonstrate rates remain competitive for economic development

Reduces regulatory timelines for certificate of public convenience and necessity decisions to 6 months, and environmental compatibility certificates to 6 months; eliminates certain deficiency letter requirements and reduces public hearing notice periods from 180 days to 90 days

Modifies electric cooperative rate procedures by lowering the member petition threshold from 15% to 10% to trigger rate case review, and removes the 8% aggregate rate increase cap over 24 months for generation and transmission cooperatives

Declares an emergency for immediate effect upon gubernatorial approval (signed March 20, 2025) citing need for strategic infrastructure investments to attract economic development and support reliable utility service