HB 3160

Abstract

Modifies period of suspension of proposed utility rate or schedule of rates pending investigation and determination from initial six-month period plus additional three-month period to single nine-month period. Extends period during which Public Utility Commission shall issue order on application to acquire public utility from within 19 business days of receiving application to 11 months. Permits commission to extend period to issue order for up to four months for cause] by agreement between commission and applicant. Requires water utility that applies for order designating area as exclusive service territory to include in application copy of notice of filing and to give notice within 30 days of filing application by mail or electronic mail to all customers of record of water utility in area described in application, and] by press release to news media local to area described in application and by publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in area described in application. Requires notice to describe area of proposed exclusive service territory and general rate impact to existing customers. Removes requirement that notice be published in local newspaper or newspapers of general circulation.] Requires person providing utility service who contracts with another person providing similar utility service for purpose of allocating territories and customers to give notice of contract filed with Public Utility Commission by mail or electronic mail to all customers of record affected by contract, and] by press release to news media local to area affected by contract and by publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in area affected by contract. Requires notice to describe area subject to contract and general rate impact to existing customers. Removes requirement that notice be published in local newspaper or newspapers of general circulation.] Requires person providing utility service in territory that applies for order allocating such territory to person to include in application copy of notice of filing and to give notice within 30 days of filing application by mail or electronic mail to all customers of record in area described in] covered by application, and] by press release to news media local to area described in] covered by application and by publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in area covered by application. Requires notice to describe area and general rate impact to existing customers. Removes requirement that notice be published in local newspaper or newspapers of general circulation.].