Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 212 (2025GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Watkins, Christine F.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/25/2025

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• defines terms;
• outlines cost-effectiveness analyses and approval procedures when a large-scale electric utility (utility) proposes advanced transmission technology deployment; and
• provides that a utility may recover approved costs.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

11
54-17-1101
0
Advanced Transmission Technologies
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Christine F. Watkins
Senate Sponsor: David P. Hinkins
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill makes changes to the Energy Resource Procurement Act.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
defines terms;
outlines cost-effectiveness analyses and approval procedures when a large-scale electric 
utility (utility) proposes advanced transmission technology deployment; and
provides that a utility may recover approved costs.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
ENACTS:
54-17-1101
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1, Section 
54-17-1101
 is enacted to read:
11. Advanced Transmission Technologies
54-17-1101
. Advanced transmission technologies.
(1)
As used in this section: 
(a)
"Advanced transmission technology" means a technology that increases the capacity, 
efficiency, or reliability of electric transmission infrastructure.
(b)
"Advanced transmission technology" includes:
(i)
technology that dynamically adjusts the rated capacity of transmission lines based 
on real-time conditions;
(ii)
advanced power flow controls used to actively control the flow of electricity 
across transmission lines to optimize usage and relieve congestion;
(iii)
software and hardware used to identify optimal transmission grid configurations 
and enable routing power flows around congestion points;
(iv)
advanced transmission line conductors that increase the power transfer capacity 
of transmission lines; and
(v)
energy storage technologies that facilitate energy storage during times of excess 
generation and discharge of stored energy during times of high demand to support 
transmission system operation.
(2)
In an integrated resource plan filing, a general rate case, or other proceeding in which a 
large-scale electric utility proposes additions or expansions to the transmission system, 
the large-scale electric utility shall:
(a)
analyze:
(i)
the cost effectiveness and timetable for deployment of advanced transmission 
technologies as an alternative strategy to meet electric system needs; and
(ii)
whether the technologies would:
(A)
increase transmission capacity;
(B)
increase transmission efficiency;
(C)
reduce transmission system congestion;
(D)
reduce curtailment of energy generation resources;
(E)
increase reliability;
(F)
reduce the risk of igniting wildfire;
(G)
increase resiliency; and
(H)
increase capacity to connect new energy resources; and
(b)
include the analysis described in Subsection 
(2)(a)
 in the filing to the commission.
(3)
(a)
The commission shall encourage the large-scale electric utility to include 
deployment of advanced transmission technologies in an integrated resource plan.
(b)
A large-scale electric utility shall include a summary of its existing and planned 
advanced transmission technologies in each integrated resource plan filed with the 
commission.
(4)
If the commission determines, based on the analysis provided by the large-scale electric 
utility under Subsection (2)(a), that the deployment of advanced transmission 
technologies is cost effective, the commission shall approve the large-scale utility's 
recovery of the prudently incurred costs of the advanced transmission technologies.
Section 2. 
Effective Date.
This bill takes effect on 
May 7, 2025
.
3-7-25 8:30 AM