All Roll Calls
Yes: 34 • No: 1
IdahoH 09112026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET
PUBLIC UTILITIES – Adds to existing law to provide for new large loads.
Sponsored By: WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE
Signed by Governor
PUBLIC UTILITIES
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Ongoing oversight to protect other ratepayers
Starting July 1, 2026, the commission reviews approved large-load contracts in every general rate case to confirm the large load pays its full costs. The commission can change rates and cost-recovery rules going forward for these contracts when needed. It will issue guidance and can resolve any disputes, aiming to prevent rate hikes for other customers. Service under this section is not treated as a special preference or unfair discrimination.
Approval rules for very large power users
Beginning July 1, 2026, a utility can serve a new large load only with a service contract the Idaho Public Utilities Commission approves. The utility must file the contract first, with a no-harm test and supporting details. The commission must approve or deny it within 270 days. Approval requires no drop in service quality or reliability for other customers and that the new load pays its full costs, including generation, transmission, substation, and distribution needs. The new load must also provide financial security to cover any stranded or unrecoverable costs. These steps protect other customers from higher bills.
Which big power users face new rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, a project counts as a new large load if it raises demand by 50 megawatts or more in any 60 months. The increase is measured against the highest contracted demand at that service entrance in the prior 60 months. The label applies only to service contracts signed on or after July 1, 2026. The law also bans splitting a single enterprise’s load across meters or service entrances to dodge these rules. These definitions help stop cost shifts to other customers.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Jim Guthrie
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/30/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 34 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Reported Signed by Governor on April 10, 2026 Session Law Chapter 335 Effective: 07/01/2026
4/2/2026Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor
4/1/2026HouseReturned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling
3/31/2026HouseRead third time in full – PASSED - 34-1-0
3/30/2026HouseRead second time; filed for Third Reading
3/26/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
3/25/2026HouseReceived from the House passed; filed for first reading
3/23/2026SenateRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
3/20/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/19/2026HouseIntroduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
3/17/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
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