Resolve, Regarding Public Safety and Protection Related to Gas and Electric Utilities

Sec. 1. Public Utilities Commission study regarding gas and electric utilities. Resolved: That, for the purpose of minimizing potential harm to consumers and other affected persons, the Public Utilities Commission shall study and make recommendations for improvements to the statutes and rules governing the responsibilities of electric utilities and their customers with respect to the testing, repair and replacement of electric utility equipment and the protection of customer equipment, and the responsibilities of gas utilities with respect to public safety, with particular attention to excavation activity. The study must address, but is not limited to, notification policies and procedures relating to gas and electric utility work, including persons to be notified, the sufficiency of existing penalties in deterring noncompliance with the statutes and rules, public awareness of the rights and responsibilities of utilities and consumers and, with respect to gas utilities, coordination with any changes in federal rules governing gas safety; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report; authority for legislation. Resolved: That, no later than November 5, 2008, the Public Utilities Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities matters. The committee may submit legislation to the First Regular Session of the 124th Legislature relating to the subject matter of this resolve.