1. (a) The definitions in section 3.6 of this chapter apply throughout this section.

2. (b) The commission shall conduct a study to evaluate the potential use of surplus interconnection service by electric utilities to enable electric utilities to:

   1. (1) safely, reliably, efficiently, and cost effectively meet electric system demand; and
   2. (2) provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric utility service to customers.

3. (c) In conducting the study, the commission shall evaluate the following:

   1. (1) The potential use of surplus interconnection service to enable electric utilities to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric utility service to customers in Indiana, considering existing and planned transmission infrastructure and projected demand growth.
   2. (2) Any other aspect of surplus interconnection service that the commission determines will assist policymakers, electric utilities, ratepayers, and other stakeholders in understanding the potential role of surplus interconnection service in the transmission system serving Indiana and the region.

4. (d) An electric utility shall provide the commission, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the commission, any information or related materials required by the commission to perform the evaluation described in subsection (c). If the electric utility has solicited information concerning the potential use of surplus interconnection service at third party facilities under section 3.6(e) of this chapter, and the commission requires further information or related materials regarding the potential use of surplus interconnection service at those third party facilities, the commission may request the information or materials directly from the owners or operators of those third party facilities. Upon request by an electric utility or an owner or operator of a third party facility, the commission shall determine whether any information or related materials requested by the commission:

   1. (1) are confidential under IC 5-14-3-4 ;
   2. (2) are exempt from public access and disclosure by Indiana law; and
   3. (3) must be treated as confidential and protected from public access and disclosure by the commission.

5. (e) In conducting the study required by this section, the commission may consult with or invite comments from:

   1. (1) regional transmission organizations;
   2. (2) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or other federal regulators;
   3. (3) electric utilities;
   4. (4) the office of utility consumer counselor;
   5. (5) associations or organizations representing utility ratepayers;
   6. (6) regulatory commissions in other states;
   7. (7) engineers or other experts; and

   8. (8) other stakeholders.

      The commission may incorporate any information or comments received under this subsection in its report under subsection (f).

6. (f) The commission shall include in the annual report that the commission is required to submit under IC 8-1-1-14 before October 1, 2027, a report that includes the commission's findings with respect to the topics set forth in subsection (c).

As added by P.L.126-2026, SEC.3.