PUBLIC UTILITIES – Adds to existing law to provide for new large loads.

This bill establishes a new regulatory framework in Idaho for large industrial or commercial electricity customers, requiring public utilities to obtain commission approval before serving new loads that would increase power demand by 50 megawatts or more. The law mandates that utilities conduct a "no harm test" to ensure these new customers can fully cover their share of infrastructure costs without raising rates for existing residential and business customers. Key provisions include a 270-day review period for service contracts, requirements for financial security to protect against stranded costs, and rules preventing customers from splitting loads to avoid the new requirements. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies only to service contracts entered into on or after that date.