h_tra_2017a_2017-04-26t13:52:33z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/26/2017

Location: HCR 0112

02:36 PM -- HB 17-1139



Representatives Hansen and Esgar introduced House Bill 17-1339. Under the bill, an investor-owned utility (e.g. Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy) may apply to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for a financing order authorizing it to issue securitized utility ratepayer-backed bonds when closing a power plant. These Colorado Energy Impact Assistance (CO-EIA) bond proceeds are to be used by the utility to purchase, build, or invest in least-cost electric generating resources and to provide transition assistance to workers and communities affected by the plant closure. Bonds are to be repaid through a distinct and non-by-passable CO-EIA charge on ratepayers that must be used solely to repay the bonds within 32 years after issue date.



Representative Hansen illustrated several concepts of the bill on a whiteboard and distributed a copy of his presentation (Attachment B). Representatives Hansen and Esgar answered several committee questions.



Attachment B.pdf



03:06 PM



Committee discussion ensued regarding specific sections of the bill, ratepayer-backed bonds in other states, and the guarantors of the bonds.



03:15 PM -- Ms. Theresa Conley, representing Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



03:17 PM -- Ms. Erin Overturf, representing Western Resource Advocates, testified in support of the bill. She answered several committee questions.



03:30 PM



Committee discussion ensued with Ms. Overturf and Representative Hansen.



03:38 PM -- Ms. Leslie Glustrom, representing herself, testified against the bill. She distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment C).



170426 AttachC.pdf



03:43 PM -- Ms. Dianna Orf, representing the Colorado Mining Association, testified against the bill. She answered several committee questions.



03:46 PM -- Mr. Richard Orf, representing the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified against the bill. He answered several committee questions.



03:59 PM -- Mr. Phil Hayes, representing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 111, testified in support of the bill.



04:02 PM -- Mr. Randy Zmerzlikar, representing IBEW, testified in support of the bill.



04:03 PM -- Mr. Darrin Gonzales, representing IBEW, testified in support of the bill.



04:04 PM -- Mr. Corey Miller, representing IBEW, testified in support of the bill.



04:11 PM -- Mr. Steve Pomerance, representing himself, testified against the bill.



04:14 PM -- Mr. Ken Regelson, representing himself, testified against the bill. He distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment D).



170426 AttachD.pdf



04:19 PM -- Mr. Doug Carter, representing the Colorado Independent Energy Association, testified in support of the bill with amendments.



04:24 PM -- Mr. Zach Pierce, representing the Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill.



04:27 PM -- Mr. Ronal Larson, representing the Colorado Renewable Energy Society, testified in support of the bill. He distributed a letter of support to the committee (Attachment E).



170426 AttachE.pdf



04:29 PM -- Mr. Mark Ruzzin, representing Colorado Communities for Climate Action, testified in support of the bill.



04:31 PM -- Ms. Rebecca Cantwell, representing the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association, testified in support of the bill.



04:34 PM -- Mr. Tom Darin, representing the American Wind Energy Association, testified in support of the bill.



04:38 PM -- Mr. Thomas Tuttle, representing the Denver Pipefitters Local 208, testified in support of the bill.



04:41 PM -- Ms. Christina Gosnell, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



04:44 PM -- Mr. Zane Selvans, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

170426 AttachF.pdf

170426 AttachG.pdf



04:54 PM



Representatives Hansen and Esgar gave some closing remarks on the bill.

05:08 PM



The committee adjourned.