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IdahoH 09112026 regular legislative sessionHouse

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

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Big new electricity users face strict terms

Beginning July 1, 2026, very large new power users face strict service rules. A “new large load” means an added 50 MW or more within any 60 months, under a contract dated on or after July 1, 2026. Splitting service entrances or meters does not avoid this status. A utility may serve this load only with a commission‑approved contract filed before service, including a clear “no harm test.” The commission has 270 days to decide. Approval requires no drop in reliability for others and that the big user pays its full cost, including needed generation, transmission, substation, and distribution. The big user must also post financial security to cover stranded or unrecoverable costs so other customers are protected.

Ongoing rate checks protect other customers

In every general rate case, the commission reviews these large‑load contracts and can change rates going forward so the big user pays its full share. The commission also issues guidance and settles disputes to carry out the law and prevent rate hikes for other customers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Jim Guthrie

    Republican • Senate

  • Michael Leman Veile

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 99 • No: 4

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 34 • No: 1

House vote • 3/20/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 65 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Reported Signed by Governor on April 10, 2026 Session Law Chapter 335 Effective: 07/01/2026

    4/2/2026

  2. Delivered to Governor at 12:50 p.m. on April 1, 2026

    4/1/2026

  3. Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor

    4/1/2026Senate

  4. Signed by President; returned to House

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026Senate

  6. Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate

    3/31/2026House

  7. Returned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling

    3/31/2026House

  8. Read third time in full – PASSED - 34-1-0

    3/30/2026Senate

  9. Read second time; filed for Third Reading

    3/26/2026Senate

  10. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading

    3/25/2026Senate

  11. Introduced, read first time; referred to: State Affairs

    3/23/2026Senate

  12. Received from the House passed; filed for first reading

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Rules Suspended: Ayes 70 Nays 0 Abs/Excd 0, read in full as required – PASSED - 65-3-2

    3/20/2026House

  14. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    3/20/2026House

  15. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading

    3/19/2026House

  16. Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs

    3/17/2026House

  17. Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing

    3/17/2026House

Bill Text

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