NC S619

Directs the Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy to conduct a comprehensive study of costs and benefits of grid modernization investment by investor-owned electric utilities.

Study shall analyze the need to enhance and modernize electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure resilience, security, future demand capacity, and integration of new technologies.

Requires all public utilities distributing electricity in North Carolina to cooperate with the Commission and provide requested information.

Commission must complete study and report findings and recommendations to the 2017 General Assembly by March 1, 2018.

Appropriates $300,000 from the General Fund for the 2017-2018 fiscal year to conduct the study, with authority to hire consultants.