House Bill 1068 – Rep. Koch:
Broadband over power lines. Allows the utility regulatory commission (IURC) to authorize certain incentives for an electric utility that deploys a broadband over power lines (BPL) system, with respect to that part of the system that is used and useful in providing electric utility service to customers. Requires the electric utility to record and account for its capital investment and operating expenses reasonably incurred to support: (1) electric utility applications; and (2) other BPL services; used or consumed by the utility. Provides that a BPL system must comply with federal laws and regulations protecting licensed spectrum users from interference by BPL systems. Provides that the IURC may condition the granting or continuation of any incentive on the BPL system’s compliance with applicable federal law.
I don’t understand utility law well enough to know whether the details of this make for good policy, but generally I like the idea of improving Indiana’s technology infrastructure.
[tags]HB1068-2007, technology, infrastructure[/tags]
I don’t understand the techie speak either and would appreciate a translation. I don’t assume that this is actually a bill to expand Indiana’s tech infrastructure. Given that the Utilities have nearly a quorum of legislators in their back pockets, how can we be sure this isn’t an anticompetitive proposal written by the industry?
There is a good chance you’ve hit the nail on the head, IndyTom. The Citizens Action Coalition is generally pretty good at being a watchdog on utility matters.
Like last year’s telecom bill?