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Minutes for SB293 - Committee on Utilities
Short Title
Municipal energy agencies and the state corporation commission.
Minutes Content for Thu, Jan 25, 2018
Chairman Olson opened the hearing on SB 293 - Municipal energy agencies and the state corporation commission. He called for an Office of Revisor of Statutes overview of the bill.
Matt Sterling explained how the bill represented an attempt to clarify the relationship between the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) and municipal energy agencies (MEAs). (Attachment 1)
Proponent Paul Mahlberg explained that KMEA is currently working on an important power supply project for five member cities that may be totally disrupted by the recent KCC order. He pleaded for help to re-establish the level of regulatory certainty that would allow the project to move forward, and not be delayed or dismissed by the the KCC. (Attachment 2)
Proponent Mark Chesney referrenced the KCC order that asserted almost complete jurisdiction over every aspect of KPP's operations. He expressed hope that this bill would immediately clarify the extent to which KCC should regulate these agencies. (Attachment 3)
Proponent Colin Hansen asserted that MEAs are already closely governed and regulated by the communities that they serve. He further stated his opinion that KCC regulation over MEAs is unnecessary and an inefficient use of limited resources. (Attachment 4)
Proponent Greg DuMars explained how the passage of this bill would remove a burdensome and costly third level of review and oversight by the KCC. (Attachment 5)
Opponent Lindsey Campbell claimed that the current bill language would result in Kansas ratepayers paying for duplicative electric facilities and would have effect of fully deregulating MEA wholesale power sales and transmission service activities from any KCC authority or oversight. (Attachment 6)
Opponent Clair Gustin agreed with Campbell's testimony and stated that MEAs should be regulated in parity with generation and transmission electric cooperatives (G&T). (Attachment 7)
Written Only Testimony:
Written Only Opponent: Laura Lutz, KCP&L and Westar Energy (Attachment 8)
Written Only Neutral: Jeff McClanahan, KCC (Attachment 9)
Seeing no additional testimony, Chairman Olson closed the the hearing on the bill.
