This bill amends Chapter 3, Title 61 of the Idaho Code by adding a new section, 61-335, which establishes provisions regarding "new large loads" in the context of public utilities. A "new large load" is defined as any electrical load that results in an increase in cumulative power requirements of fifty megawatts or more over a sixty-month period and is subject to a service contract with a public utility entered into on or after July 1, 2026. The bill mandates that public utilities provide service to new large loads only under commission-approved contracts, which must include a "no harm test" to assess the impact on existing utility customers' rates.

The commission is required to review and approve or deny these service contracts within 270 days, ensuring that the new large load maintains service quality and reliability for existing customers and covers its full cost of service. Additionally, the bill stipulates that new large loads cannot evade their classification by splitting their load across multiple service entrances. It also requires financial security from the new large load to protect the utility and its customers from potential stranded costs. The commission will oversee the implementation of these provisions and ensure that new large loads do not lead to increased rates for other customers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, due to an emergency declaration.