State energy plan assessment adopted

Senators passed a bill May 21 that allows the state to develop an independent energy plan.

LB469, introduced by Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, directs the State Energy Office to assess any state energy plan before submitting the plan to the federal Environmental Protection Agency for review.

The energy office will prepare a report analyzing the proposed state energy plan’s effects on employment within the state and the electric power sector, including the potential impact on the:
• type and amount of electric generating capacity that is likely to retire or switch to another fuel;
• stranded investment in electric generating capacity;
• amount of investment necessary to offset the retirement of electric generating capacity;
• potential risks to electric reliability; and
• amount by which retail electricity prices are forecast to increase or decrease.

The bill includes provisions of LB583, originally introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, specifying the areas of analysis for a state energy plan to be developed by the State Energy Office. The plan will focus on strategies to develop a cost-competitive energy supply, access to affordable energy, sustainable economic growth and job creation.

The bill passed on a 43-1 vote.