Sponsor says 'smart' lines could cut congestion by 40%; committee adopts amendment and moves HB 31 83 forward

The committee voted to advance House Bill 31 83 after the bill's sponsor described technology for new, lighter transmission conductors that can be strung on existing towers to relieve congestion and reduce the need for new transmission corridors. The sponsor said the cables are about ‘‘40% more efficient’’ at distributing load and suggested they could reduce wildfire risk because lighter lines “don't get to whip” in high winds.

Lawmakers pressed the sponsor on the economics: where the technology is in place now, whether projects would be new construction or upgrades, and who ultimately pays. The sponsor repeatedly said the cost is borne by ratepayers over the long term and acknowledged he did not have firm ROI numbers at the hearing, but said large load users could help fund deployments.

An amendment submitted by Clark Waring and described as replacing the phrase "customer funded" with "large load user funded" was adopted to reflect ongoing negotiations. After additional remarks the committee recorded 7 ayes and 3 nays and the chair declared the bill to have passed out of committee with the enacting clause stricken for further work.

The sponsor and members said they will continue to refine the language with utilities, RTO officials and industry stakeholders before floor consideration.