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Minutes for HB2032 - Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
Short Title
Authorizing the state corporation commission to increase or decrease an electric public utility's return on equity based on whether such utility's all-in average retail rate has increased or decreased.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 4, 2025
Chairman Delperdang opened the hearing on HB2032.
Nick Myers, Office of Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment1) Mr. Myers responded to questions from committee members.
Chairman recognized proponents for in person testimony:
Paul Snider, Kansans for Lower Electric Rates (Attachment2) who testified in support of the bill. Mr. Snider explained the bill proposes an incentive and disincentive approach to controlling rates. He added the return on equity is the mechanism or tool in the bill because it is the most impactful and contentious part of utility rate making.
Eric Stafford, Kansas Chamber (Attachment3) who testified in support of the bill. Mr. Stafford added the bill creates an incentivized structure for the return of equity for a public utility.
The conferees responded to questions from committee members.
Proponents - Written only testimony:
Randy Stookey, Kansas Grain & Feed Association, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and Renew Kansas Bio-fuels Association (Attachment4)
Chairman recognized opponent in person testimony:
Chuck Caisley, Evergy (Attachment5) who testified as an opponent on the bill and the policy intent behind the bill. Mr. Caisley explained the bill is a significant departure from how rates are currently set in Kansas and in most states in the U.S., and it would put in jeopardy the historic economic growth opportunity Kansas has before it with significant opportunities in the expansion of manufacturing and technology.
The conferee responded to questions from the committee members.
Chairman recognized neutral in person testimony:
Reagan McCloud, Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.(Attachment6) who testified as neutral on the bill.
Neutral - Written only testimony:
Justin Grady, Kansas Corporation Commission (Attachment7)
Joseph Astrab, Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (Attachment8)
Chairman Delperdang asked the committee for any further questions.
Chairman closed the hearing on HB2032.
