Electric Choice and Competition Act

HB 5657, the Electric Choice and Competition Act, would allow certain large non-residential customers (such as businesses and data centers) to choose their electricity supplier from competitive providers instead of purchasing solely from their regulated utility. The bill establishes a "subscription queue" for eligible customers, requires the Public Service Commission to oversee the program, and mandates utility rate transparency to prevent unreasonable cost shifts to other ratepayers. Utilities would continue providing transmission and distribution services, while competitive providers supply electricity under commission licensing. The law aims to lower overall system costs by shifting generation investment risks to large customers, benefiting all ratepayers through greater efficiency.