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IN HB1470
Bill
Status
4/24/2019
Primary Sponsor
Edmond Soliday
Click for details
AI Summary
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TDSIC plans for electric and gas utilities must cover 5-7 years (changed from fixed 7 years) and must be updated at least annually, with updates allowed to include new projects or improvements not in the original approved plan.
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Eligible improvements now explicitly include projects without specific locations or exact numbers (such as pole/pipe inspection and replacement programs) and advanced technology investments like smart meters, IT systems, and distributed energy resource management systems.
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Public utilities may terminate an existing TDSIC plan with 60 days notice to the commission and petition for a new plan, but must seek rate case approval before the original plan's expiration date.
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Commission review timeline for TDSIC petitions extended from 90 days to 120 days, and new projects added through plan updates require commission findings on cost estimates, public necessity, and whether costs are justified by incremental benefits.
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The 2% cap on annual retail revenue increases from TDSIC charges must consider combined revenue impacts when a utility terminates one plan and starts a new one.
Legislative Description
Utility transmission improvements and costs. Amends the statute concerning transmission, distribution, and storage system improvements charges (TDSIC) for electric and gas utilities to provide that for purposes of the statute, "eligible transmission, distribution, and storage system improvements" include: (1) projects that do not include specific locations or exact numbers; and (2) advanced technology investments. Provides that a public utility's required plan under the statute (defined under the new provisions as a "TDSIC plan") must cover a period of: (1) at least five years; and (2) not more than seven years. Requires a utility to update its TDSIC plan at least annually. Provides that an update to a TDSIC plan may include new projects or improvements. Specifies that a targeted economic development project may include a project related to the provision of electric service. Provides that a utility may: (1) terminate a TDSIC plan upon 60 days notice to the utility regulatory commission (IURC); and (2) petition the IURC for approval of a new TDSIC plan. Provides that a utility that terminates a TDSIC plan must petition the IURC for review and approval of the public utility's basic rates and charges with respect to the same type of utility service before the original expiration date of the terminated plan. Provides that eligible transmission, distribution, and storage improvements receiving TDSIC treatment before termination of the plan shall continue to receive TDSIC treatment after termination of the plan until a final order in the public utility's next general rate case is issued. Provides that for purposes of the provision prohibiting the IURC from approving a TDSIC that would result in an average aggregate increase in a public utility's total retail revenues of more than 2% in a 12 month period, the IURC shall consider the combined 12 month revenue impact of the TDSIC approved under the terminated plan and the TDSIC approved under any new TDSIC plan. Changes the amount of time in which the IURC must hold a hearing and issue an order on a public utility's petition for a TDSIC from 90 days to 120 days. Sets forth required findings of the IURC in an order concerning new: (1) projects or improvements; or (2) targeted economic development projects; included in a utility's updated TDSIC plan.
Last Action
Public Law 89
4/24/2019