In the assumption of the rights and obligations of the transmission and distribution utility by a municipality, the municipality may in no way restrict, impede or prohibit universal access to the provision of electric and other services.

7.__Dispute resolution.__In connection with the exercise by any municipality of the option to convert its street lighting services pursuant to this section, any dispute concerning the compensation to be paid the transmission and distribution utility or any other matter arising in connection with such exercise, including, but not limited to, the terms on which space is to be provided to the municipality in accordance with subsection 6, must be resolved by the commission within 60 days of any request for resolution by the municipality or any person involved in a dispute.

8.__Affiliates may compete for business.__Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any affiliate of any transmission and distribution utility whose street lighting service is converted by a municipality in accordance with the provisions of this section may solicit and compete for the business of any municipality for the provision of lighting equipment or any other service, such as equipment maintenance, in connection with street lighting service.

SUMMARY

This bill creates several rights for municipalities with respect to public utilities and streetlights. The bill does the following:

1. Secures the right of municipalities to purchase only energy for street lighting from the transmission and distribution utility;

2. Secures the right of municipalities to place municipally owned streetlights on utility-owned poles;