SB 6253-S2 - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 2ND SUBSTITUTE)

Requires all electric utilities to eliminate from electric rates all costs associated with delivering electricity to customers that is generated from a coal-fired resource.

Requires electric utilities and market customers to: (1) Reduce the total number of megawatt hours from fossil fuel generating resources used to serve the utility's load;

(2) Pay a pollution mitigation charge to the department of commerce for fossil fuel megawatt hours in excess of certain limits;

(3) Seek to achieve their targets at the lowest possible costs, avoid the imposition of the pollution mitigation charge, and rely on renewable or clean resources; and

(4) Report to the department on progress towards the reduction in the total number of megawatt hours from fossil fuel generating resources.

Requires the department of commerce, with input from relevant state agencies and the public, to: (1) Conduct and complete a study on barriers to, and opportunities for, solar photovoltaic energy generation and access to other renewable energy by low-income customers and barriers to contracting opportunities for local small businesses in disadvantaged communities; and

(2) Develop and publish a study on: (a) Barriers for low-income customers to energy efficiency and weatherization investments and to zero emission and near-zero emission transportation options; (b) how to increase access to zero emission and near-zero emission transportation options; and (c) the impact of this act on utility rates as it affects individuals of varying income levels, ethnic backgrounds, and racial backgrounds.