Committee advances Electric Load Forecast Accountability Act to curb double-counting of large loads

The Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee adopted an amendment and voted to report the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 44 81, called the Electric Load Forecast Accountability Act, to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass as amended.

Committee counsel said the bill directs the Public Service Commission to review and validate forecasts submitted by utilities and other entities, to coordinate with PJM and utility commissions in other states to reduce the risk that new large loads are double-counted across jurisdictions, and to investigate the methodologies, data and assumptions used to develop those forecasts. Counsel noted the PSC would review contracts and agreements that affect forecasting assumptions, with confidentiality protections for sensitive material, and must publish an annual report by Dec. 31 on progress implementing the act. The act carries a sunset date of Dec. 31, 2035.

The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment as explained by counsel and passed a title amendment by voice vote. The vice chair moved the bill be reported to the full Senate with the committee’s recommendation that it pass as amended; the chair declared the ayes have it. The transcript does not include a roll-call vote tally or individual member votes for this action.