OR SB330

Public Utility Commission must adopt rules requiring underground placement of electric power lines for all new lines and when replacing overhead lines that are functionally obsolete, damaged, or destroyed

Persons may apply to the commission for exceptions to the underground placement requirement on a project-by-project basis

Commission must consider cost differences between underground and overhead placement when evaluating exception requests, but higher underground costs alone cannot justify an exception

Mandatory exceptions must be granted when underground placement costs exceed overhead costs by a specified percentage threshold (percentages left blank in bill for later determination)

Exceptions may be granted for all or part of a power line placement or replacement proposal