AN ACT REMOVING THE COMBINED PUBLIC BENEFIT CHARGE FROM UTILITY BILLS, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF CLASS I RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, LIMITING RATES ALLOWED UNDER CERTAIN POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND REMOVING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

HB 5931 removes a specific fee called the "Combined Public Benefits Charge" from electricity bills for residential and commercial customers. It redefines "Class I renewable energy" to include electricity from hydropower and nuclear facilities, expands eligibility for renewable energy programs. The bill also limits power purchase agreements to rates no more than 150% above wholesale electricity prices and moves the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority out of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. These changes directly affect utility customers, electricity providers, and renewable energy project developers.