The proposed Bill No. 6290 aims to amend current statutes regarding renewable energy and the oversight of public utilities in the state. Key provisions include redefining "class I renewable energy source" to encompass nuclear and hydropower sources, thereby broadening the classification of renewable energy. The bill also seeks to enhance the oversight of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, mandate audits of the Combined Public Benefits Charge and related programs, and enforce the functional and operational separation of unregulated or underregulated affiliates of public utilities. Additionally, it proposes to impose revenue transfer caps and require line-item audits of large electricity generation facilities.
Furthermore, the bill calls for a comprehensive study to assess the viability of the state's electric grid. These changes are intended to improve regulatory oversight, ensure transparency in utility operations, and promote a more sustainable energy portfolio. The proposed amendments reflect a significant shift in how renewable energy sources are classified and regulated, aiming to strengthen the state's energy infrastructure and regulatory framework.