Bills
Utilities Consumer Advocate
Bill #: H.4379
Session: 2017-2018
Topics:
Energy
H.4379 was introduced as a result of the failed VC Summer nuclear project. In the fall-out of the project, energy reform leaders in the House crafted the bill to create a Consumer Advocate who would argue for ratepayer protections in Public Service Commission rate-making cases. The proposed House bill would have established a consumer advocate in the Attorney General’s office and would have reformed the mission of ORS to no longer include the economic viability of utilities.
H.4379 was introduced by a long list of bipartisan co-sponsors. During debate on the House floor, the bill had several champions including Representatives Ott, Finlay, Clary, McCoy, Toole, Cobb-Hunter, J.E. Smith, and Caskey.
- + Pro Conservation Vote
- - Anti Conservation Vote
- EA Excused Absence
- NV Not Voting
- NA Not in Office
- A Abstained (Conflict of Interest)
H.4379 Utilities Consumer Advocate (Second)
After thoughtful debate, the bill passed out of the House with a 114-1 vote on January 23, 2018; sending a signal that House members were taking energy reform and ratepayer protection measures seriously.
Eventually, this bill also passed the Senate on the last day of the legislation session, but failed to make it into law before the legislature adjourned for the Year.
- This is a Pro-Conservation Bill.
- The Pro-Conservation Vote was YES for passage on second reading in the House.
- The Bill passed the House on 1/23/18 and the Senate on 5/10/18; but the Senate amendments were never taken up and the bill failed.
