NC H503

Directs the Policy Collaboratory at the University of North Carolina to conduct a study evaluating reforms to North Carolina's wholesale electricity market, including regional transmission organizations (RTOs), energy imbalance markets, and the Southeastern Energy Exchange Market.

Requires the study to examine costs, benefits, and risks to government, utilities, businesses, and customers regarding generation capacity, transmission systems, rates, environmental quality, economic opportunity, and impacts on disadvantaged populations.

Establishes an advisory board including state officials, utility representatives, municipal and cooperative utilities, environmental advocates, and consumer and industry representatives to guide the study.

Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2023-2024 to hire an independent consulting firm with wholesale electricity market expertise.

Requires the Collaboratory to report findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources by the 2025 Regular Session (or 2026 if additional time is needed), including draft legislation if legislative action is recommended.