2007 Senate Bill 585

Allow PSC to review utility mergers and acquisitions

Introduced in the Senate

June 12, 2007

Introduced by Sen. Bruce Patterson (R-7)

To give the Public Service Commission the authority to compel the tender of certain documents, with which it would review and comment on proposed mergers, sales, or acquisitions of public utilities. The bill would not give the commission any actual regulatory power over these private sector transactions, but would authorize the PSC to conduct a limited review that could take no longer than 120 days after the parties submitted all necessary documents. The PSC could recommend modifications or changes to the structure of a covered transaction but would not have the authority to approve or disapprove a purchase or other acquisition or to place conditions on the transaction.

Referred to the Committee on Energy Policy and Public Utilities