HB 3336
Declares a state policy regarding the electric transmission system.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
96%
Oppose
4%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires Oregon’s electric companies to develop and implement strategic plans for using ‘grid enhancing technologies’ to improve the state’s electric transmission system. Companies must file these plans with the Public Utility Commission and update them regularly, focusing on increasing capacity, reliability, and reducing congestion while connecting renewable energy sources. The bill also outlines a process for local governments to review upgrades to existing transmission lines within existing rights-of-way, subject to specific criteria and limitations.
Key provisions
- Electric companies must file strategic plans with the Public Utility Commission outlining the use of grid enhancing technologies.
- Plans must be updated every two years and aligned with clean energy and integrated resource plans.
- Companies must analyze alternatives and conduct cost-effectiveness studies when proposing transmission system upgrades.
- Local governments can review upgrades to existing transmission lines within existing rights-of-way without a formal hearing, using clear and objective criteria.
- The bill defines key terms such as ‘advanced reconductoring’ and ‘grid enhancing technology’.
- Companies must identify short-term actions to be completed by January 1, 2030.
- The Public Utility Commission will establish criteria for determining the cost-effectiveness of grid enhancing technologies.
- Upgrades to transmission lines must be entirely within existing rights-of-way and limited to grid enhancing technologies and safety standards.
Who is affected
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3336 believe that increasing Oregon's electric transmission capacity is crucial for the state's economy and citizens' well-being, with many testifiers emphasizing the need to modernize the transmission system to ensure reliable, clean energy delivery. They advocate for deploying cost-effective grid enhancing technologies (GETs) to address transmission bottlenecks, mitigate energy distribution losses and risks, and protect ratepayers from costly upgrades. Proponents of HB 3336 also highlight its potential to promote a clean energy economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support Oregon's regional planning efforts, such as WestTEC. By adopting GETs, supporters aim to improve grid efficiency, enhance monitoring capabilities, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, ultimately ensuring a resilient and sustainable energy system for Oregonians.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the proposed legislation express concerns about its ambiguity and potential for costly legal challenges. They argue that the bill's lack of specificity on key issues, such as technical distinctions between high-capacity electric lines and transmission lines, could lead to confusion and inconsistent enforcement with state law. Additionally, critics contend that the broader application of the amendment to all existing transmission lines, including those owned by consumer-owned utilities, was not adequately considered in discussions. Some also question the necessity of government action to force grid enhancing technologies onto the market, suggesting they are not yet ready for widespread adoption.