AN ACT relating to the Wyoming energy authority; requiring the completion of a transmission study; specifying requirements of the study; requiring reports; and providing for an effective date.
This act requires the Wyoming Energy Authority to complete a transmission planning study concerning Wyoming's transmission system and the potential growth of that system. The act requires the Energy Authority to complete the study in two (2) phases. Phase one (1) must analyze the impacts of three potential load-growth scenarios on Wyoming's current system, including a model of Wyoming's transmission needs and the consideration of advanced transmission technologies and electricity storage to meet the need for expanded transmission. Phase two (2) requires the Energy Authority to develop a qualitative summary of Wyoming public utilities' participation, if any, in regional transmission organizations. The act requires the Wyoming Energy Authority to report twice to the Joint Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions Interim Committee and the Joint Minerals, Business, and Economic Development Interim Committee on the results of each phase of the study. The act requires the Energy Authority to establish an advisory working group to provide input on the required study. The working group must be comprised of, at a minimum, the Public Service Commission, the Office of Consumer Advocate, and representatives from investor-owned public utilities, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives. Comments: This act is effective immediately. This act requires two (2) reports from the Wyoming Energy Authority to the Joint Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions Interim Committee and the Joint Minerals, Business, and Economic Development Interim Committee. The first report (for phase one (1) of the study) is due by November 1, 2027; the second report (for phase two) is due by September 1, 2028.