H.B. 1151 Summary

• Electric and gas utilities must submit proposed capital expenditures exceeding $500,000 or 10% of total plant in service (whichever is less) to the Public Utilities Commission for review at least 60 days before construction or expenditure commitment.

• The PUC must hold a hearing and determine whether any portion of the proposed project is unnecessary or exceeds probable future utility requirements; any disapproved portions cannot be included in the utility's rate base.

• Utilities may petition the PUC to reconsider and include previously disapproved property in the rate base if they demonstrate it is necessary or useful for utility purposes.

• If the PUC does not issue a decision within 90 days of the utility's filing, the utility may automatically include the capital expenditures in its rate base without PUC approval.

• The Act takes effect June 30, 3000.