Montana State Legislature
2009-2010 Energy and Telecommunications Committee
The Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee (ETIC) has broad oversight over a range of energy and telecommunication-related topics in Montana. The committee conducts interim studies as assigned by the Legislative Council or selected by members and reviews the administrative rules proposed by the Department of Public Service Regulation (DPSR) and the Public Service Commission (PSC).
LC 318 Revise Energy Policy Review Process (approved 8-0)
LC 6002 Increase Montana's Renewable Portfolio Standard (failed 5-3)
LC 319 Revise Definition of "Eligible Renewable Resource" to Include Hydroelectric Facility Expansions (approved 6-2)
LC 320 Extend the Sunset for Wireless 9-1-1 Funding (approved 8-0)
Letter to the FCC (approved 8-0)
Revised Draft Energy Policy Report "Montana's Energy Policy Review"(approved 8-0)
Public Comment Received
Interoperability Montana Follow-up Report
Handouts from September 10
September 10 Audio Guide: "Short Circuit"
Energy Policy Public Comments
Revised Draft Energy Policy Report "Montana's Energy Policy Review"
LC 6000 -- Draft Energy Policy
LC 6001 -- Energy Policy Review Process
Letter from the EQC
PSC Legislative Proposals
July 28-29 Audio Guide: "Short Circuit"
July 28-29 Powerpoint Presentations and Handouts
Agenda , Minutes
DRAFT Energy Policy Recommendations (as approved in November and January)
Draft Energy Policy Report "Montana's Energy Blueprint"
Energy Policy Decision Matrix
Summary of Efficiency and Building Energy Policy Points
Senator Larsen Energy Policy Summary
Memo on Alternative Energy Tax Credit
Letters from the Public
May 13 Audio Guide: "Short Circuit"
Update on CO2 rulemaking
Denbury Handouts
Broadband Comments
"One Call" Update
Agenda , Minutes
January 14 Powerpoint Presentations
Energy Policy Background: Efficiency & Conservation
Energy Policy Background: Efficiency in Building
Energy Policy: Public Comment
SUMMARY November Energy Policy Points
DRAFT Energy Policy Recommendations
Senator Jackson Energy Policy Points
Wind Power Bonding and Decommissioning
Utility responses to Senator Erickson
AERO Response
Rural Cooperative Response
Final "The Electricity Law Handbook"
Final "Understanding Energy in Montana"
January 14 Audio Guide: "Short Circuit"
Energy Policy Background: Coal
Energy Policy Background: Rates
Energy Policy Background: Alternative Energy
Energy Policy: Public Comment
USB Reports
Draft "The Electricity Law Handbook"
Draft "Understanding Energy In Montana"
November 9-10 Audio Guide: "Short Circuit"
November 9-10 Powerpoint Presentations
Agenda , Minutes
September 24 Powerpoint Presentations
Energy Policy Background: Transmission Lines
Energy Policy Background: Wind Integration
Energy Policy Background: State Lands
Energy Policy: Public Comment
SUMMARY September Energy Policy Points
September 24 Audio Guide: "Short Circuit"
Draft Final 2009-2010 Work Plan
Draft Final 2009-2010 Work Plan Matrix
REVISED 2009-2010 Final Meeting Schedule
ETIC 2009-2010 Rules and Procedures
There are a number of state entities involved in various aspects of energy production and consumption in Montana. The Consumer Counsel represents Montana public utility consumers before the Public Service Commission, state and federal courts, and administrative agencies in matters concerning public utility regulation. The DEQ's Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau is responsible for improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy for power generation. In 2007 the Energy Promotion and Development Division was established within the Department of Commerce to help implement Governor Schweitzer's 'clean and green' energy initiatives.
- Legislative Consumer Committee and Consumer Counsel
- Department of Environmental Quality Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau
- Department of Commerce Energy Promotion and Development Division
Four ETIC members have been selected to participate in the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute. The program is being provided by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, University of Idaho, U.S. Department of Energy, and National Conference of State Legislatures. Information provided by the Institute and shared by ETIC members will be posted.