This bill mandates that in-state electricity generators, upon receiving notice of external regulatory action that could make their operations economically unfeasible or lead to involuntary retirement or decommissioning, must inform the commissioner of the Department of Energy within 30 days. The Department of Energy is then required to open an investigatory docket to assess the impact of such a retirement or decommissioning on the state's energy reliability and affordability, and to recommend any necessary actions to defend the generator. This may include appealing to the attorney general to file a court action or participate in administrative proceedings. The Department of Energy and the Department of Justice may request funding from the legislative fiscal committee to carry out these actions. The bill also states that any act or omission by a state agency inconsistent with this section cannot be the basis for a civil suit.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates that there is no direct appropriation provided to cover the estimated expenditures that may arise from these investigations, which could cost up to $250,000 based on past experiences. The Department of Energy is permitted to seek funding from the legislative fiscal committee, but the frequency and scale of such investigations are unpredictable. The bill does not authorize new positions for its implementation, and there is no expected impact on state, county, or local revenue or expenditures. The Department of Justice is also authorized to seek funding for actions under this bill. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.