The bill amends Section 476.53 of the Iowa Code to require rate-regulated public utilities to provide support for the reasonability of their electric utility resource plans, which must be updated within 24 months prior to filing an application for ratemaking principles. Additionally, it introduces a new section, 476.53B, mandating that these utilities file a resource plan at least once every three years. This resource plan must consider various resources for meeting future energy demand, including supply resources and demand management strategies, and should align with the utility's most recent energy efficiency plan approved by the commission.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the commission's responsibilities in reviewing these resource plans, requiring it to acknowledge receipt of the plans within 90 days and potentially offer recommendations for future plans. It also establishes a stakeholder process for reviewing the resource plans, which includes organizing conferences with representatives from the commission, consumer advocates, utility customers, and the state load forecasting center. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the resource planning process is transparent and considers input from various stakeholders while allowing the utility to make informed planning decisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 476.53