Senate Bill No. 1022 aims to amend the Utilities Code by introducing a new section, 36.2031, which focuses on the recovery of vegetation management costs by electric utilities. The bill allows the commission to review and adjust an electric utility's vegetation management factor, ensuring that utilities can collect eligible costs in a timely manner. It establishes procedures for allocating these costs among customer classes based on actual usage and mandates that any significant under- or over-collection of costs be addressed through interim adjustments. The bill also stipulates that affected parties can protest adjustments and outlines the conditions under which hearings may be held.

Additionally, the bill requires electric utilities to reconcile their vegetation management costs at least every two years and sets a timeline for these reconciliations. It clarifies that proceedings under this section are not classified as rate cases, thereby streamlining the process for utilities to manage their vegetation-related expenses. The provisions aim to enhance the efficiency and transparency of cost recovery while ensuring that customers are informed and have the opportunity to participate in the process. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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