Increases the time certain parties have to submit a notice of intent to be a party to the certification proceedings for the siting of major utility transmission facilities from thirty days to forty-five days.
Impact
The impact of A11172 could significantly enhance public participation in the siting processes related to major utility projects. By extending the notice period, stakeholders, including local governments and community members, may feel more empowered to engage with the proceedings. This change aims to facilitate a more inclusive decision-making process that accounts for the interests of various parties affected by the construction and operation of utility transmission facilities.
Summary
Bill A11172 proposes an amendment to the public service law regarding the timeline for various parties to submit a notice of intent to participate in certification proceedings for the siting of major utility transmission facilities. Currently, the time frame for this submission stands at thirty days. The proposed amendment seeks to extend this period to forty-five days, thereby allowing more time for municipalities, residents, and non-profit organizations to prepare and participate in the application processes.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill could arise from the perspectives of utility companies versus local stakeholders. Utilities may express concerns that an extended timeline could delay project development and increase costs. On the other hand, advocates for the amendment argue for the necessity of sufficient time for affected parties to assess implications, voice their concerns, and contribute meaningfully to the public discourse surrounding major utility projects.
Same As
Increases the time certain parties have to submit a notice of intent to be a party to the certification proceedings for the siting of major utility transmission facilities from thirty days to forty-five days.
Increases the time certain parties have to submit a notice of intent to be a party to the certification proceedings for the siting of major utility transmission facilities from thirty days to forty-five days.
Relates to transparency and other requirements for applications submitted to ORES for siting of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facilities.
Relates to transparency and other requirements for applications submitted to ORES for siting of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facilities.
Directs the public service commission to provide for the availability of virtual access to and participation by parties and non-parties in all proceedings and public sessions of the commission, to the extent that such parties and non-parties would be permitted to access and participate in such proceedings and public sessions in person.
Provides that in the siting of new electric transmission facilities, priority shall be given to major electric transmission facilities that are proposed to be sited in existing rights-of-way including those owned by an electric corporation or distribution utility, or by the state, including any subdivision thereof, or a state public authority, for state highway or transportation purposes, and railroad corridors.
Increases the number of days between the sending of a notice of termination by a utility corporation and the actual date of termination of service; increases the age of residents in the home to 21 from 18 for purposes of special procedures for terminations; decreases the amount required for a downpayment on an arrears on utility bills; lowers the age of customers to whom a utility company must offer quarterly billing from 62 to 55.