House Bill No. 2756, introduced by Caldwell (Trey), establishes new regulations for electric transmission facilities in Oklahoma. The bill defines key terms such as "Certificate of Authority," "electric transmission facility," and "transmission developer," and outlines the process for obtaining a Certificate of Authority from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. It specifies that no electric transmission facility can commence without this certificate and mandates that the application includes detailed information about the proposed routes, costs, and potential impacts on electric customers. Additionally, the bill exempts certain existing facilities from needing a Certificate of Authority for extensions or upgrades.
The bill also requires transmission developers to provide proof of public notice, hold public meetings, and submit various safety and environmental impact documents before the Commission can approve their applications. It establishes a timeline for the Commission to issue a decision on applications and allows for a filing fee of up to $1,000. The legislation emphasizes the importance of public safety and environmental considerations, mandating the creation of safety and decommission plans. An emergency clause is included, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.