A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance with the requirements of this bill.

Indiana Bill on Surplus Interconnection Service

This bill changes Indiana's utility laws by defining surplus interconnection service and requiring electric utilities to consider using it when planning for new energy facilities after December 31, 2029.

What This Bill Does

• Defines 'surplus interconnection service' as extra unused electricity connections that can be used without changing the total amount of connection at a point where power lines meet.
• Requires electric companies to include an analysis of surplus interconnection service in their integrated resource plans (IRPs) filed after December 31, 2029.
• Asks the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to consider if new electricity generation projects will use or allow for surplus interconnection service when reviewing applications after December 31, 2029.
• Requires the IURC to study how electric utilities can use surplus interconnection service and report their findings in its annual report.

Who It Names or Affects

• Electric companies that file integrated resource plans (IRPs) with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
• The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) which will review applications for new electricity generation projects.
• People who work on or use electric power systems in Indiana.

Terms To Know

Surplus interconnection service

Extra unused electricity connections that can be used without changing the total amount of connection at a point where power lines meet.

Integrated resource plans (IRPs)

Plans electric companies must file with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to show how they will meet future energy needs.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens if an electric company fails to include analysis of surplus interconnection service in their plans.
• It is unclear when and how the IURC's study on surplus interconnection service will be completed and made public.
• The bill only applies to actions taken after December 31, 2029.

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities.
Surplus interconnection service.

Current Bill Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities.

Surplus interconnection service.

Defines "surplus interconnection service" (SIS), with respect to established interconnection service connecting an electric generating facility with an electric transmission system, as any portion of that service that: (1) has not been used; and (2) is not reasonably expected to be needed; the use of which would result in the total amount of interconnection service at the point of interconnection remaining the same. Provides that an electric utility that is required to file integrated resource plans (IRPs) with the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) must include in any IRP filed after December 31, 2029, an analysis of the potential for SIS to meet immediate needs for capacity and energy at utility owned facilities. Provides that with respect to any petition filed with the IURC after December 31, 2029, for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction, purchase, or lease of an electric generation facility, the IURC shall consider whether: (1) the petitioner has conducted an analysis of the use of SIS as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, the proposed construction, purchase, or lease of the facility; and (2) the proposed construction, use, or lease of the facility will make use of, or allow for the use of, SIS. Requires the IURC to conduct a study to evaluate the potential use of SIS by electric utilities. Sets forth specific topics that the IURC must evaluate as part of the study. Requires the IURC to include in its 2027 annual report its findings with respect to the topics evaluated in the study.