Rep. Cervania files bill in North Carolina House to study state energy market

A new bill filed by State Rep. Maria Cervania in the North Carolina House seeks to enhance fair competition by requiring a detailed study of the state’s energy market and potential reforms, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 745 on April 2 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Fair Competition Study Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill mandates the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the state’s energy market to enhance fair competition. It requires assessments of the costs and benefits of the current energy market, possible reforms to the Southeastern Energy Exchange Market, and the feasibility of establishing an energy imbalance market or regional transmission organization within the Southeast. The study must evaluate impacts on electricity generation, customer service, environmental quality, economic opportunity, and impacts on disadvantaged communities. Additionally, the study will examine legal and procedural requirements for implementing market reforms. The study is expected to be completed within one year of enactment, with $350,000 appropriated for its funding, and the bill takes effect upon becoming law.

A related bill, SB 716, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Graig Meyer (and one other) on March 25, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Pricey Harrison proposed the most bills (40) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cervania graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a BA.

Cervania, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 41st House district, replacing previous state representative Gale Adcock.