This bill summary was last updated on March 9, 2025.
Public hearing – February 25
Electricity markets are important because they allow power producers and utilities to efficiently allocate electric power, helping to lower both consumer costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The most highly developed US markets are those directed by Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), which consolidate electricity operations and planning in many parts of the East, Midwest and South. However, the Pacific Northwest is not part of an RTO. This hampers the region’s ability to efficiently plan the expansion of electric power production and transmission needed to meet increasing demand.
This bill addresses the absence of a Pacific Northwest RTO by creating an Oregon Electric Transmission Authority. This public corporation will support the enhancement of electricity transmission capacity by financing, developing, constructing and upgrading transmission infrastructure. The goal is to create a reliable and resilient system that increases access to low-cost supplies of clean energy, helping to meet state clean energy goals while also supporting economic growth.
The bill specifies the structure of the new Authority, including its Board of Directors, Staff and Budget. It will be established as an independent public body and political subdivision of the state, and not an agency of state government. Among the many powers to be vested in the Authority are:
- conduct transmission planning for the state, including identifying and establishing transmission corridors
- issue and sell Transmission Revenue bonds (to be repaid with operating revenues)
- coordinate with utilities and grid operators to identify capacity constraints, implementation of Grid Enhancement Technologies, and transmission corridors
- coordinate with state agencies to streamline siting and permitting of new lines
- help establish public-private partnerships for financing and developing new projects
The bill also establishes a Tribal Advisory Council on Electric Transmission, which will advise the new Authority on electricity issues relevant to Tribes.