The Transparency and Reform of Utility Expenditures Act requires the state corporation commission to submit an annual report to the legislature on electric transmission projects recommended by regional transmission organizations. It mandates competitive bidding for certain transmission lines and prohibits the endorsement of integrated transmission plans unless they benefit the state. The bill also prevents municipalities from imposing restrictions on nuclear energy facilities and establishes guidelines for power purchase and energy storage agreements, exempting them from specific regulations. Additionally, it introduces governance reforms, such as requiring legislative approval for high-impact electric transmission lines and senate confirmation for citizens' utility ratepayer board members, while limiting board membership to three members from the same political party.

The bill further amends Kansas law regarding public utilities, clarifying that local transportation systems are considered public utilities and specifying exclusions for certain activities related to compressed natural gas and electric vehicle charging. It establishes a citizens' utility ratepayer board to represent utility consumers and allows electric utilities to recover transmission-related costs through a transmission delivery charge. The bill also outlines compliance filing requirements for utilities regarding transmission delivery charges, including detailed project information and public engagement processes. It transitions the return on equity for utilities from federal to state jurisdiction and mandates notification to legislative committees before voting on matters that could raise electric rates for Kansas retail ratepayers. The bill will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 66-104, 66-1, 66-1222, 66-1223, 66-1237, 74-633