SB01531: An Act Concerning Public Utility Transparency And Accountability And Proceedings Of The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Legislative Summary

To (1) deem certain public service companies a public agency for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act and not permit them to recover through rates costs of compliance with said act, (2) subject the Home Energy Solutions program to audit by the Auditors of Public Accounts, (3) modify the expertise and other requirements of utility commissioner appointments and impose revolving door and substantial conflict recusal requirements, (4) modify other processes of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, (5) prohibit certain mergers of utility companies, (6) prohibit a utility company from owning both gas and electric utilities, (7) prohibit a public utility company from imposing any fees that would discourage the adoption of grid-enhancing and energy-efficient technologies, (8) prohibit a right of first refusal to acquire property by a utility company, and (9) prohibit deceptive fees to utility end use customers.