This week, the OMA testified in opposition to Substitute Senate Bill 103, currently under review by the Senate Public Utilities Committee. While the substitute bill reflects improvements over earlier versions, the OMA continues to raise serious concerns. SB 103 extends certain provisions from House Bill 15 to natural gas, water and sewer utilities — including the use of forecasted test years. However, unlike HB 15, the bill does not completely eliminate above-market charges or outdated subsidies.

As currently drafted, Sub. SB 103 would allow gas, water and sewer utilities to benefit from forward-looking rate-setting mechanisms while continuing to collect revenue through capital investment riders. In essence, the natural gas and water companies will get to “double dip” under the new Sub. SB 103, receiving revenue through both expedited rate cases that are forecasted and capital investment riders that are also forecasted. 10/2/2025