Idaho Bills

Adds to existing law to establish provisions requiring certain contracts to be honored by successor utilities.

The bill proposes a change to Chapter 3, Title 61, Idaho Code that governs the Public Utility Commission. Specifically, addressing the utility agreements between a Public Utility and the developer, property owners and public utility customer. When a land use is platted, the developer is required to enter an agreement to provide certain easements and standard construction requirements for the end user. An example would include underground sewer and water delivery to platted lots. This legislation provides that the developer, builder, or customer entering into an agreement with the utility company, can rely on that agreement, even if there is a change in ownership of the utility company. It further empowers the Public Utility Commission to resolve complaints within 45 days, thus avoiding long delays that can impact the financing costs and viability of the developer, builder, and customer.