Every week, Stateside Associates will feature energy-related legislative, regulatory, and federal programs impacting state and local public policies and proceedings, including upcoming Groups events, activities, and conversations in This Week in Energy.
For more information on our Energy Practice, please contact Taylor Beis.
Generation
LEGISLATIVE
In Hawaii, SCR 166, introduced on March 16, requires the Public Utilities Commission to impose strict conditions on Liquefied Natural Gas costs to avoid stranded assets and prioritize the state's 100% renewable goal. The measure passed the Senate on April 9, and a hearing is scheduled in the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee on April 17.
Affordability
LEGISLATIVE
California AB 2124, introduced on February 18, requires the California Council on Science and Technology to analyze legislation affecting electrical or gas ratepayers upon request. This measure evaluates rate increases, potential benefits, and existing programs. The measure passed the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee on April 9 following a hearing and was re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations on April 14.
Maryland’s HB 1532, The Utility RELIEF Act, passed by the Maryland General Assembly on April 13, overhauls the state’s net metering framework and establishes a renewable energy loan program for nonprofits. The measure expands utility benefits to residents at or below 200% of the federal poverty level while requiring the Public Service Commission to evaluate ratepayer impacts before approving any price hikes. Further, it imposes new registration and usage reporting for large load customers and mandates that utilities prioritize advanced transmission technologies over new construction. The bill now awaits Governor Moore’s signature.
Large Load and Data Centers
LEGISLATIVE
Alaska’s SB 250, introduced February 18, sets utility rate, contracting, and decommissioning requirements for data centers. A hearing was held on April 16 in the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee.
In California, AB 2383 requires the Public Utilities Commission to create a new, distinct classification for retail electric consumers who are large energy users, defined as facilities with peak load of 20 MW or greater. It aims to prevent cost shifting and ensure that facilities are responsible for electrical infrastructure upgrades required for interconnection. The measure passed the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee on April 9 following a hearing and was re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Also in California, SB 886 establishes tariffs for the interconnection of large load facilities exceeding 75 MW. The measure was re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on March 25 and held a hearing on April 13.
Maine’s LD 307, which passed the Senate on April 14, establishes a first-in-the-nation moratorium on large-scale data center development, of 20 MW or more, until November 2027. The measure pauses these projects due to “extraordinary demands” on the state’s grid and resources. It also establishes the Maine Data Center Coordination Council to study grid reliability and ratepayer impacts before development is permitted. The bill awaits Governor Mills’ signature.
Tennessee’s HB 1847 / SB 2128 requires data center owners or operators to pay the cost of infrastructure needed to support their facilities, ensuring these costs are not shifted to other retail and residential customers. The measure passed the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee on April 15 and was re-referred to the Calendar and Rules Committee for a hearing held on April 16. In the Senate, the measure will hold an additional hearing in the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee on April 21.
Electricity and Market Issues
LEGISLATIVE
California’s AB 1774 amends the Public Utilities Code, clarifying what costs the Public Utility Commission can block a utility from charging customers for utility-caused mistakes costing $50 million or more. The bill passed the Assembly Utilities and Energy Hearing Committee following a hearing on April 9, and was re-referred to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations on April 14.
New Introductions
SB 270, introduced March 26 in Delaware, is similar to other small-scale solar permitting exemptions. The measure allows customers to install small-scale solar without utility approval or interconnection requirements. A hearing was held on April 15 in the Environment, Energy and Transportation Committee.
In Louisiana, SB 490 was introduced on March 31 and passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs on April 15. The measure clarifies that private electrical networks serving at least 50% of their output to specific customers are not subject to the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s regulation.
LOCAL
On April 8, the City of Bend, Oregon held an Electrification Policy Stakeholder Roundtable to discuss a "Climate Pollution Fee" on natural gas appliances in new residential construction. The measure, which follows the Bend City Council’s 5-1 vote on February 18 to approve the policy, establishes a fee of 20% of the social cost of carbon for appliances including furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. The next scheduled council work session is scheduled for April 22, with a final vote in June.
Permitting and Siting
LEGISLATIVE
HB 1268 in Colorado, passed the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on April 13 and awaits a final Senate vote. The measure establishes a new framework for local governments to designate “renewable energy reinvestment areas.”
GROUPS EVENTS
There are no upcoming energy-related Groups events.
For more information on upcoming events, contact Taylor Beis.
