Feb 7, 2023
Statehouse Happenings This Week:
It’s a busy week for energy issues in the Kansas Capitol.
Tuesday morning kicks off two BIG hearings in the House Energy committee. The Climate + Energy Project’s Clean Energy Business Council members will appear before the committee on HB 2228 and HB 2227. HB 2228 creates a uniform net-metering policy across investor-owned utility, municipal, and cooperative territories and increases system size limits. This has been an initiative of the CEBC’s since our inception and we’re excited to see it gaining momentum.
The CEBC has also long-advocated for 3rd-Party Power Purchase Agreements. Members are eager to present the concept to the committee and have the conversation about how net-metering changes and power purchase agreement allowances can foster more renewable energy options.
Then on Thursday, committee members will hear testimony for the Citizen Ratepayer Board’s bill requiring the establishment of a rate for low-income residents. CEP will submit testimony in favor of this legislation. A bill from the Kansas Corporation Commission to change the transmission delivery charges utilities can charge is also on the day’s agenda.
Meanwhile, the Senate Utilities committee will discuss SB 68 in a weeklong hearing.
SB 68 would establish a right of first refusal for incumbent utilities to build out transmission lines. As champions for ensuring low-cost renewable energy investments, CEP and the CEBC believe competitive bidding for projects ensures lower costs. As such, we are opponents to SB 68 and will present testimony saying as much.
We encourage you to continue your advocacy with elected officials. Watch here for more updates, specifically on the net-metering and PPA bills.
Bills We’re Watching
(Click here to see a spreadsheet of the bills we’re tracking during this Legislative Session)
| Kansas Rural Center Policy Watch |
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| CEP is a 2023 co-sponsor of the Kansas Rural Center’s Policy Watch weekly e-updates. KRC monitors the state legislature for decisions affecting a diversified agriculture, the environment, our natural resource base, rural communities, and our local and regional food systems. The weekly e-updates also provide information about upcoming hearings, so constituents can contact legislators or attend. Read and subscribe to their latest policy watch issues on their website. |
Registration is open for WEALTH 2023 a series of informational events and advocacy opportunities supporting our state’s Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transport, and Health – WEALTH. Check out the timeline below, and register today for our February 15th kick-off event.
