The bill aims to revise electric utility laws in Montana by introducing a competitive bidding process for the construction of new electric transmission line projects. It amends existing definitions in Section 69-5-201, including the definition of "electric transmission line" to encompass substations and associated equipment. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of "incumbent electric utility" by removing the reference to public utilities regulated by the public service commission and specifying that it does not include such utilities.

In Section 69-5-202, the bill eliminates the "right of first refusal" for incumbent electric utilities and establishes that they must construct new electric transmission lines through a competitive bidding process if the project is valued at $8 million or more. The bill outlines that the incumbent utility can participate in the bidding and must adhere to its own standards for design and construction. It also stipulates that if a bid is awarded to a non-incumbent entity, the incumbent utility retains the right to inspect the construction to ensure compliance with its specifications. Upon completion, the incumbent utility will own and maintain the transmission line.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_1(1): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_1(2): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_1(3): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_1(4): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_1(5): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_1(6): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_1: 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_X(1): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_X(2): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_X(3): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_X(4): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_X(5): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_X(6): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_X(7): 69-5-201, 69-5-202
SB0355_X: 69-5-201, 69-5-202