Senate Approves Utilities Bill

The Senate has finished work on a bill that would let most utility companies tack on some surcharges for fuel costs and compliance with environmental laws. The sponsor, Senator John Griesheimer, says the proposal gives utilities incentives to be more efficient in buying fuel or supplemental power and sets standards for the Public Service Commission to decide if the surcharges are warranted. It also allows utilities to get interim surcharges to pay for obeying environmental laws. The bill also tells the PSC to put together a task force to recommend improved energy conservation and weatherization programs by utilities. The bill has been sent to the House.