All Roll Calls
Yes: 176 • No: 2
UtahS.B. 1322025 General SessionSenate
Electric Utility Amendments
Sponsored By: Scott D. Sandall (Republican)
Signed by Governor
EnergyPublic UtilitiesPublic Utilities and TechnologyPublic Service Commission
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 6 mixed.
Large customers cannot assume utility backup
Utilities have the sole right to serve large customers in their territories, subject to the law's private-provider exceptions. Service is not required when timing cannot be met, contract terms remain unsettled, customers fail requirements, or private providers supply them. Utilities owe service, backup, or related support only as expressly agreed in approved contracts. They need not design or build large-load facilities before a construction contract is signed and approved. Utilities also need not buy or accept connected generators' power; acceptance requires an explicit, commission-approved agreement.
Private power providers face qualification checks
Large-scale generation providers must register before serving customers and meet reasonable technical and financial standards. They must use qualifying resources, post required security, and document finances, operating history, resource plans, permits, and estimated air-quality-plan impacts. Security follows reasonable customer negotiations, transmission contracts, or commission requirements for utility services; providers must also meet applicable reliability standards. Noncompliant providers cannot start new service, must fix deficiencies within 90 days, and may face registration conditions. After suspension or revocation, service must end once customers have a reasonable chance to find alternatives; replacement service requires a new approved contract.
Large customers gain private power options
Large customers can contract directly for closed private power systems without first requesting utility service. These systems must use qualifying resources and stay separate from utility facilities, except through authorized arrangements. Utility connections or services require commission-approved contracts, and interstate connections remain subject to transmission requirements. Customers can also use connected generation providers, which must register, maintain enough capacity, share system and emergency information, report configuration changes, and carry liability insurance. Compliant closed systems and providers, and compliant connected providers, are exempt from public-utility regulation.
Large power customers get special contracts
Utah creates special contracts for new demand reaching 100 megawatts, or added demand reaching 100 megawatts, within five years. This service is exempt from ordinary state rate rules and rate-filing requirements. Customers must contract for all projected needs and keep enough power resources or ability to cut use for actual needs. Contracts are negotiated case by case; approval requires compliance with the law and protection of existing ratepayers from added costs. Applications are due within 15 business days after signing, and the Public Service Commission must decide within 60 days of filing. The framework covers only contracts that provide for service to begin by December 31, 2034.
Large power requests gain deadlines, fees
Utilities must begin processing October–March requests by April 1 and April–September requests by October 1. They must flag missing information within 15 business days, evaluate within six months, and send proposals within 15 business days afterward. Utilities may charge reasonable evaluation fees and wait for payment and required information before evaluating. Customers may negotiate with providers after requesting service, but sign only after a missed utility deadline or 90 days without agreement after receiving the evaluation; both sides may extend that period. The commission also assesses proportional fees twice yearly among pending applicants, deposited in the Public Utility Regulation Fee Account solely for expert reviews, evaluations, and related proceedings.
Large power rates may require cutbacks
The Public Service Commission must study a flexible rate plan for large power customers. It must adopt a plan if it finds the plan fair, reasonable, and in the public interest. The study must address service times, rates, terms, and when utilities can require customers to reduce or stop power use. The law does not itself set those rates or adopt the plan.
Large power users cover added costs
Large power customers must pay all reasonable added costs needed for service, including generation, upgrades, connections, and long-term upkeep. Contracts must set delivery, capacity, backup-power, and usage-cut terms; utility contracts also require financial security. When transmission is needed, utilities or providers must request it; customers or providers pay studies, upgrades, tariff charges, and related services. Federal law and applicable federal approval limit transmission and connection charges. Utilities and providers must keep separate standard accounting records; retail rate decisions exclude large-load added costs and revenues. Utilities must document that separation, but need not publicly disclose individual large customers' revenue details.
New rules divide power transmission costs
The Public Service Commission must set transmission cost-sharing rules for large-load contracts signed on or after January 1, 2026. The law requires an independent consultant and rules by January 1, 2026. The commission must weigh federal precedent, demand growth, added costs, economic benefits, and keeping retail rates fair and reasonable. Cost-sharing methods may differ by timing, size, who causes costs, or who benefits; the law sets no household dollar amount. The commission must review the framework before October 31, 2027, and every three years afterward.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Scott D. Sandall
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Colin W. Jack
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/7/2025
Senate/ concurs with House amendment
Yes: 27 • No: 0
House vote • 3/7/2025
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 71 • No: 0
House vote • 3/7/2025
House/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/4/2025
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 10 • No: 0
House vote • 3/4/2025
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2025
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2025
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2025
Senate/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2025
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 28 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/18/2025
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/14/2025
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 22 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/5/2025
Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/5/2025
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
House/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Senate/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/25/2025Senate/ to Governor
3/14/2025SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/14/2025SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/12/2025SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/12/2025Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/7/2025Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/7/2025Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/7/2025SenateSenate/ received from House
3/7/2025SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/7/2025HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/7/2025HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/7/2025HouseSenate/ to House
3/7/2025SenateSenate/ concurs with House amendment
3/7/2025SenateSenate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
3/7/2025SenateSenate/ received from House
3/7/2025SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/7/2025HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/7/2025HouseHouse/ substituted
3/7/2025HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/7/2025HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/7/2025HouseHouse/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
3/7/2025HouseHouse/ return to Rules due to fiscal impact
3/4/2025HouseHouse/ comm rpt/ substituted
3/4/2025HouseHouse/ comm rpt/ substituted
3/4/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/12/2025
Substitute #5
3/7/2025
Substitute #4
3/6/2025
Substitute #3
3/4/2025
Amended 3/3/2025 11:03:515
3/3/2025
Substitute #2
3/1/2025
Substitute #1
1/31/2025
Introduced
1/16/2025