HB2240 Summary

• Amends the Public Utilities Act to allow expedited review of certificates for high voltage electric service lines not exceeding 5 miles in length that do not adjoin projects filed with the Commission during 2012.

• Requires applicants to submit $100,000 application fee, detailed engineering and technical specifications, and evidence of holding minimum 3 pre-filing public meetings in each affected county with 6+ months advance notice.

• Establishes 150-day Commission decision deadline for granting or denying certificate applications, extendable by 75 days upon showing of good cause within 30 days of filing.

• Imposes $20,000 per mile construction fee payable to each county within 30 days after project completion, in lieu of county permitting fees.

• Prohibits transmission line construction within 1.5 miles of agricultural land, residential areas, schools, parks, wetlands, cemeteries, churches, and 20+ other specified sensitive areas and land uses.