Change provisions relating to the conveyance of electric distribution systems by public power districts or public power and irrigation districts to cities or villages

Cities can take over local power lines

The law lets a city or village take ownership of the local electric distribution system at no cost once the district has paid off, or set aside full reserves to redeem, all debt tied to building or buying that system. Generating plants and transmission lines are not included. The city or village must pass a resolution and publish notice once a week for three weeks (or post in five public places); it takes effect after 30 days if no petition is filed. If, within 30 days after the last notice, a petition signed by at least 20% of voters from the last general municipal election is filed, voters must approve it at a general or special municipal election; a majority “no” vote blocks it. If the parties disagree on what counts as the “distribution system,” the city or village can ask a court to decide, with the district named in the case. Districts may still refinance debt outstanding on May 4, 1945 without increasing amounts or extending payments tied to distribution revenue, and may issue new bonds for new facilities and use those new facilities’ revenue.