H 593

 BILL AS INTRODUCED  H.593
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1H.593
2 Introduced by Representatives Sibilia of Dover and Campbell of St. Johnsbury
3 Referred to Committee on
4 Date:
5 Subject: Electric; transmission; interregional interconnections; agreements;
6Department of Public Service; Public Utility Commission
7 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to give the
8 Public Utility Commission approval authority over agreements entered into by
9 the Department of Public Service if they concern interregional transmission
10 projects.
11    An act relating to Public Utility Commission approval of interregional
12    transmission agreements
13 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
14 Sec. 1. 30 V.S.A. § 2 is amended to read:
15 § 2. DEPARTMENT POWERS
16    (a) The Department of Public Service shall supervise and direct the
17 execution of all laws relating to public service corporations and firms and
18 individuals engaged in such business, including the:
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                                                                   VT LEG #385961 v.1
 BILL AS INTRODUCED  H.593
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1    (g) In all forums affecting policy and decision making for the New England
2 region’s electric system, including matters before the Federal Energy
3 Regulatory Commission and the Independent System Operator of New
4 England, the Department of Public Service shall advance positions that are
5 consistent with the statutory policies and goals set forth in 10 V.S.A. §§ 578,
6 580, and 581 and sections 202a, 8001, 8004, and 8005 of this title. In those
7 forums, the Department also shall advance positions that avoid or minimize
8 adverse consequences to Vermont and its ratepayers from regional and inter-
9 regional cost allocation for transmission projects. This subsection shall not
10 compel the Department to initiate or participate in litigation and shall not
11 preclude the Department from entering into agreements that represent a
12 reasonable advance to these statutory policies and goals. Any agreement
13 entered into by the Department that concerns interregional transmission
14 projects and interconnections shall be subject to Public Utility Commission
15 approval.
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17 Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE
18    This act shall take effect on passage.
                                                                    VT LEG #385961 v.1