S_AGR_2016A 03/03/2016 01:33:08 PM Committee Summary

01:33 PM -- Confirmation of Water Resources And Power Development Authority - Colorado



Michael Brod, Executive Director, Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (authority), introduced the Governor's appointments to the authority and discussed it role and membership.



01:34 PM



Michael Berrry of Montrose, appointed for a term expiring October 1, 2019, and to serve as a member from the Gunnison-Uncompahgre drainage basin, with experience in water planning and development, discussed his experience and interest in serving on the authority (Attachment A).



160303 AttachA.pdf



01:36 PM



George Corkle, appointed for a term expiring October 1, 2019, and to serve as a member from the North Platte drainage basin, discussed his experience and interest in serving on the authority (Attachment A).





01:38 PM



Steven Vandiver of Alamosa, appointed for a term expiring October 1, 2019, to serve as a representative of the Rio Grande drainage basin, discussed his experience and interest in serving on the authority (Attachment A).

01:42 PM -- SB 16-128



Senator Hodge, prime sponsor, requested that Senate Bill 16-128 be postponed indefinitely. This bill would have allowed water judges or other affected parties to reopen specific portions of augmentation plans or substitute water supply plans (SWSP) for amendments based on new technical information or operational experience without reopening the entire plan.



There was no testimony.

01:44 PM -- HB 16-1091



Senator Sonnenberg, sponsor, described the provisions of House Bill 16-1091 concerning change dates for electric utility transmission plans. Under current law related to energy resource zones, rate-regulated electric utilities are required to submit plans, designations, and applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in the Department of Regulatory Agencies on or before October 31 of each odd-numbered year. This bill changes the submission date to a date to be determined by the PUC. The bill also eliminates existing requirements that reviews of plans, designations, and applications for CPCNs by rate-regulated electric utilities be conducted simultaneously; and the PUC issue an order approving or rejecting an application for a CPCN for the construction or expansion of transmission facilities within 180 days after the application is filed.



The following persons testified on the bill:



01:45 PM -- Ann Hendrickson and Heidi Morgan, representing Black Hills Energy, testified in support of the bill.



01:47 PM -- Becky Quintana and Joel Hendrickson, representing the PUC, spoke in support of the bill.



01:48 PM -- Robin Kittel, representing Xcel Energy, testified in support of the bill.









01:48 PM



The chair closed testimony and Senator Sonnenberg closed his remarks on the bill.

01:51 PM



The committee adjourned.