H.C.R. 71 Summary

• Urges the Public Utilities Commission to open a docket to examine whether the traditional cost-of-service regulatory model for electric utilities should be amended in response to renewable energy deployment.

• Identifies concerns that the century-old regulatory compact, designed for stable utility monopolies, creates financial uncertainty and higher costs for remaining customers as renewable energy and decentralized generation reduce utility customer bases and long-term revenue predictability.

• Encourages the PUC to collaborate with the Division of Consumer Advocacy, licensed electric utilities, and renewable energy representatives in assessing whether regulatory changes are needed to ensure safe, reliable energy access and environmental protection.

• Requires the PUC Chairperson to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2015 Regular Session.

• Directs transmission of the resolution to the PUC, electric utility executives, renewable energy representatives, and the Division of Consumer Advocacy.