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2009 SESSION

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HB 1729 Electric transmission lines; locality may request an electric utility to install underground, etc.

Introduced by: Mark L. Cole | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Undergrounding electric transmission lines.  Authorizes the governing body of any locality to enter into an agreement with an electric utility that provides that the locality will impose an assessment on customers in a special rate district to cover the utility's additional costs of constructing, operating, and maintaining the proposed line as an underground rather than an overhead line. Currently, only the Counties of Fauquier, Loudoun, and Stafford and the Towns of Hamilton, Leesburg, and Purcellville are authorized to enter into such agreements.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Undergrounding electric transmission lines.  Authorizes the governing body of any locality to request an electric utility to enter into an agreement whereby a proposed overhead electric transmission line in a residential neighborhood will be installed underground and the utility's additional costs of constructing, operating, and maintaining proposed high-voltage transmission lines underground will be collected through an additional charge to be included in the utility bills of customers located in a special rate district.  If a locality requests such an agreement, the electric utility shall not be permitted to use the streets, alleys, or public grounds of the locality for or in connection with the construction, operation, or maintenance of the proposed electric transmission line until such an agreement is entered into and is approved by the State Corporation Commission, unless the governing body subsequently withdraws its request or otherwise consents to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed overhead electric transmission line.  Currently, the Counties of Fauquier, Loudoun, and Stafford and the Towns of Hamilton, Leesburg, and Purcellville are authorized to enter into agreements with an electric utility that provide that the locality will impose an assessment on customers in a special rate district to cover the utility's additional costs of constructing, operating, and maintaining the proposed line as an underground rather than an overhead line.