Assembly Bill 25 aims to modify the rights and responsibilities of incumbent transmission facility owners regarding the construction, ownership, and maintenance of regionally cost-shared transmission lines approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). The bill establishes that an incumbent transmission facility owner, which includes transmission companies and utilities, has the right to construct and maintain these lines if they connect to their existing facilities. It also stipulates that if an owner decides not to proceed with construction, they must provide a detailed explanation to the Public Service Commission (PSC), which may then determine who will construct the line based on various factors such as cost and reliability.

The bill introduces new definitions and requirements, including the need for incumbent owners to submit cost estimates based on competitive bidding and to provide quarterly updates on construction costs to the PSC. Additionally, it mandates reporting on costs charged to energy consumers outside the state. Notably, the rights and responsibilities established by this bill will sunset after ten years. The bill includes provisions for the repeal of certain sections of current law, specifically sections 196.485 (1) (cr), (1) (ef), and (3g), which will be replaced by the new language created under this act.