CO HB1345

Incumbent electric utilities that own existing transmission facilities must notify the Public Utilities Commission within 180 days of a transmission line's approval in a regional transmission plan if they intend to construct, own, and maintain the new line.

Utilities subject to PUC regulation must file an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity within 24 months of providing notice, or they forfeit their right of first refusal to construct the line.

Municipally owned utilities filing notice do so only for informational purposes and are not subject to PUC approval or further obligations under this statute.

"Electric transmission line" is defined as transmission lines and related facilities operating at 100 kilovolts or more that connect to existing transmission facilities, excluding generation facility connection lines.

"Incumbent electric utility" means a wholesale or retail electricity supplier that is a member of a regional planning organization and owns and operates transmission lines capable of transmitting at 100 kilovolts or more.