Section 37-1-81.1

(a) The retail base rates established and in place on October 1, 2026 for each utility that is regulated by the commission and that provides retail electric service may not be increased before January 1, 2029. (b) On and after January 1, 2029, a utility that provides retail electric service may not factor the following costs into the calculation or determination of a new rate or service regulation or a change to an existing rate or service regulation charged to customers of the utility: (1) Costs incurred due to the utility providing funding or grants that impact rates to other persons or organizations. (2) Costs incurred due to the hiring of persons for the purpose of lobbying the Legislature or any other political office or subdivision of the state. (3) Costs incurred due to advertisement of the utility other than public safety advertising approved by the commission. (c)(1) When an electric utility files a new schedule to put in operation a new rate or service regulation or to change an existing rate or service regulation, the utility shall affirm that the utility has not included the prohibited costs under subsection (b) in the calculation or determination of the rate or service regulation. (2) If the electric utility fails to make the affirmation, the rate or service regulation shall be void. (d) If the commission discovers that a utility has included the prohibited cost under subsection (b) in the calculation or determination of rates or service regulations, the commission shall investigate the determination pursuant to Section 37-1-83 and other powers of investigation granted to the commission pursuant to this division.