This bill amends existing laws related to public utilities in Wyoming, specifically focusing on low-carbon energy generation standards. Key changes include the definition of "low-carbon" electricity, which now requires a reduction of at least 75% of carbon dioxide emissions per megawatt hour, as opposed to the previous standard that allowed for a maximum of 650 pounds of emissions. The bill also mandates that public utilities serving more than 10,000 customers generate a specified percentage of their electricity from dispatchable and reliable low-carbon sources, with a deadline extended to July 1, 2038. Additionally, it introduces new reporting requirements for utilities to demonstrate their progress toward these standards.

Furthermore, the bill outlines mechanisms for rate recovery associated with the costs of implementing low-carbon technologies, including provisions for utilities to apply for rate recovery of carbon capture costs and to collect a surcharge from customers to cover incremental compliance costs. The Public Service Commission is tasked with establishing rules to ensure utilities are meeting the new standards and will report biannually to specific legislative committees on the implementation of these standards. The act is set to take effect immediately, with specific provisions becoming effective on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
24LSO-0181 v0.5: 37-18-101, 37-18-102