House Bill 587

Chair's Name: Jeff Lewis

Committee: Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications

House Sponsor: Jeff May

HB 587 provides that if the holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity fails to begin construction or operation of any pipeline or distribution system for natural gas, the commission shall revoke or amend that certificate if someone else submits an application to provide natural gas service to a specified end-use customer, property owner, or developer who has requested natural gas service.   The Bill also sets forth guidelines and factors for the commission to determine whether they should issue a certificate to the applicant.

The committee substitute received a Do Pass recommendation from the Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Modified Open Rule.

Chairman Lewis�s opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

Increases competition for gas services

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

The need for gas service in rural areas.

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Increases Personal Responsibility:

By allowing people the opportunity to have gas service

• Other:

Consumer legislation that provides choices for the availability of gas service