Committee advances study on Western load growth and transmission options

Senators and representatives voted to advance Senate File 102, a bill ordering a two‑phase study of projected electricity load growth and transmission options across the Western grid.

Sponsor remarks said the study would analyze low, medium and high load scenarios, identify transmission‑capacity gaps and examine policy responses including regional transmission organizations and expanded day‑ahead markets. “This is our opportunity for public input,” the sponsor said, adding the energy authority is likely to do the work but the bill lets the Legislature shape the study and its timeline.

Rob Krieger, executive director of the Energy Authority, told the committee the interim study looked at large new loads and third‑party generation and that the bill would provide facts and figures to inform future policy decisions. Mike Robinson, chairman of the Wyoming Public Service Commission, said his agency planned to “fully participate in this process” and called the study a constructive step as looming energy decisions approach.

The bill sets Phase 1 reporting due Nov. 1, 2027, and Phase 2 due Sept. 1, 2028, and contains no new appropriation; the sponsor said the Energy Authority can complete the study with current funds. After brief committee discussion, members called the question and the bill received a do‑pass recommendation on a recorded vote of 9–0.

The committee next moved on to other bills on the agenda.