69-3-1623. Use of amounts received by electric utility as consideration for its transfer of Montana energy impact assistance property. (1) Subject to commission approval as required by subsection (2), an electric utility shall expend or invest amounts the electric utility receives as consideration for its transfer of Montana energy impact assistance property to reduce its Montana energy impact costs and may invest or expand the remaining funds as follows:
(a) to build and own generation infrastructure and facilities that are least-cost generation resources, taking into consideration regulatory risk, current and future fuel cost and risk, and fuel delivery infrastructure costs, the addition of which is not inconsistent with the electric utility's resource procurement or integrated least-cost resource plan;
(b) to build, own, or purchase electricity storage capacity to the extent that the investment is either required by law or rule, is the least-cost, or is needed to increase the amount of least-cost generation resources that the electric utility is able to add to its generation portfolio;
(c) to invest in network modernization to the extent that the modernization is necessary to increase the amount of least-cost generation resources able to be added to the electric utility's system; and
(d) to replace any damaged or destroyed electric infrastructure or facilities involved in the transmission or delivery of electricity to Montana customers.
(2) In considering any application for approval of the use of Montana energy impact assistance bond proceeds, the commission shall:
(a) use its regular process for consideration of applications; and
(b) fully consider new energy technologies and future environmental regulations.
History: En. Sec. 18, Ch. 442, L. 2019.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 69. Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 3. Regulation of Utilities
Part 16. Montana Energy Impact Assistance Act
69-3-1602. Purpose -- legislative intent
69-3-1604. Commission rulemaking
69-3-1605. Financing orders -- application requirements
69-3-1606. Issuance of financing orders
69-3-1607. Effect of financing order
69-3-1608. Montana energy impact assistance bonds
69-3-1609. and 69-3-1610 reserved
69-3-1611. Effect on commission jurisdiction
69-3-1612. Electric utility customer protection
69-3-1613. Judicial review of financing orders
69-3-1614. and 69-3-1615 reserved
69-3-1616. Electric utilities -- duties -- nonbypassable charges
69-3-1617. Montana energy impact assistance property
69-3-1619. Assignee or financing party not subject to commission regulation
69-3-1620. Effect of other laws
69-3-1621. Security interests in Montana energy impact assistance property
69-3-1622. Sales of Montana energy impact assistance property