Subcommittee approves electricity deregulation bill

Wednesday, May 28, 1997 | 10:48 a.m.

AB366 moved Tuesday to the full committee for further action.

"Deregulation is on the way," said Jon Wellinghoff, director of the Citizens Energy Project, which proposes establishing a nonprofit electric cooperative for Las Vegas.

"It's pretty clear (the deregulation bill) is going through," Wellinghoff added. "It looks like it's unstoppable."

Among those favoring the bill are Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington, Government Affairs Chairman Doug Bache, D-Las Vegas, and Assemblyman Pete Ernaut, R-Reno, chairman of an interim committee on electric utility deregulation.

Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, chairman of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, has set aside three days of hearings on the deregulation bill starting June 4.

Townsend declined Tuesday to discuss AB366 until he has time to read it, study possible changes and see how it complements his proposal for restructuring the PSC.

In addition, legislators are considering a proposal to reorganize the attorney general's office of the consumer advocate. The ultimate legislation also may further deregulate natural gas utilities.

AB366 sets a July 1, 2001, deadline for electric utility deregulation, but the date may be debated in the Senate.

Townsend's proposal also calls for taking transportation regulation away from the PSC and establishing a separate state agency to oversee the transportation industry.

The PSC deregulation proposal was drafted by Commissioner Judy Sheldrew and is supported by all PSC members with the exception of Galen Denio.