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2023 SESSION

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23100387D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 489 Offered January 11, 2023 Prefiled January 9, 2023 Requesting the State Corporation Commission to study the adequacy of tree-trimming practices of electric utilities to ensure reliable electric service in the Commonwealth. Report. ---------- Patron-- Bell ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, the provision of reliable electric service is paramount to the health and safety of all Virginians; and

WHEREAS, the vulnerability of electric power systems to storm-related damage poses a significant threat to the provision of reliable electric service; and

WHEREAS, one of the largest contributing factors to storm-related power outages is damage caused by trees; and

WHEREAS, while all potential damage to electric systems caused by trees cannot be eliminated, adequate tree trimming by electric utilities as part of a tree-trimming program and in anticipation of an upcoming storm can significantly reduce storm-related power outages; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the State Corporation Commission be requested to study the adequacy of tree-trimming practices of electric utilities to ensure reliable electric service in the Commonwealth.

In conducting its study, the State Corporation Commission (the Commission) shall (i) review the current tree-trimming practices of electric utilities; (ii) determine if the Tree-Trimming Guidelines (the Guidelines) published by the Commission are consistent with national standards and best practices and identify any necessary changes to the Guidelines; (iii) determine if such electric utility tree-trimming practices are consistent with the Guidelines and national standards and best practices; and (iv) examine any other issues deemed relevant by the Commission.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission for this study, upon request.

The Commission shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2023, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.