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WA Considers System Benefits Standard
Members of the Washington Senate Energy, Technology and Telecommunications Committee last month heard strong support for a statewide system benefits standard. Under Senate Bill 6188 , utilities would invest a minimum of 3% of their retail electric revenues in energy conservation, new renewable energy resources and weatherization of low-income homes. During the bill's hearing, public interest groups, utilities and other stakeholders articulated a critical need for investments in clean and affordable energy services and emphasized a competitively neutral, non-bypassable standard as the right mechanism for Washington. Although the bill did not pass out of committee, stakeholders indicated a strong interest to convene during the interim to negotiate the provisions of a bill legislators might move in 2001.
The energy committees in both the House and the Senate heard and passed a bill requiring electric utilities to disclose their fuel mix to customers. Senate Bill 6447 and House Bill 2565 would establish a tracking mechanism to ensure consumers receive reliable information about the make-up of their electricity the ratio of hydropower, coal, natural gas, nuclear power and non-hydro renewable sources. Al Aldrich, Government Affairs Director for Snohomish County PUD , stated, "I'm optimistic that we're going to get this bill through this session. The testimony has gone well and we've had a good reception from members of the committees."
Legislators also tackled the issue of reforming the state's siting of thermal power plants and pipelines. Under Senate Bill 6411 the Senate energy committee approved the creation of a task force to formulate recommendations for change. The equivalent House committee sponsored a work session focused on the state's Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council but did not pass a companion bill.
Both houses will vote on bills through February 15. Passed bills will be referred to committees in the opposite house. Washington's legislative session ends March 9.
Danielle Dixon
For a complete report of WA legislative activities in 2000, visit our Washington page.