S_AGR_2018A 02/08/2018 01:30:45 PM Committee Summary

Senator Cooke,  prime sponsor, discussed the provisions of SB18-042 concerning deregulation for nonprofit water utilities.   He also distributed Amendment L.001 [Attachment A].  This bill grants simplified regulatory treatment by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in the Department of Regulatory Agencies for nonprofit water companies as long as their rates, charges, and terms and conditions of service with their customers are just and reasonable.  The PUC will resolve any complaint alleging a violation of these conditions if signed by a representative of a local jurisdiction, the chief executive officer of an affected public utility, or at least 25 customers or prospective customers of the water company that is the subject of the complaint.

Doug Dean, Director, Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), spoke in support of the bill and discussed the PUC regulatory process. He also responded to questions from the committee about the effect of the bill on fees collected by the PUC.

Gabe Dusenbury, Financial Analyst with the PUC, responded to questions from the committee about the effect of the bill on fees collected by the PUC.

Phil Ross, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.

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