HB 2304

Abstract

Provision of broadband capacity by Phase I or Phase II electric utilities. Makes permanent the pilot program under which a Phase I or Phase II electric utility is permitted to petition the State Corporation Commission to provide broadband capacity to unserved areas of the Commonwealth. The bill expands the program to allow for the participation of municipalities and government-owned broadband authorities. The bill provides that investor-owned electric utilities may recover costs of and revenue generated from providing broadband capacity that serves as an electric grid transformation project in areas unserved by broadband, as defined in the bill. The bill also consolidates the State Corporation Commission petition approval process into one hearing.

Provision of broadband capacity by Phase Ior Phase II electric utilities. Makes permanent the pilot program under which a Phase I or Phase II electric utility is permitted topetition the State Corporation Commission to provide broadband capacityto unserved areas of the Commonwealth. The bill provides that investor-ownedelectric utilities may recover costs of and revenue generated fromproviding broadband capacity that serves as an electric grid transformationproject in areas unserved by broadband, as defined in the bill. Thebill also consolidates the State Corporation Commission petitionapproval process into one hearing.