SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1184

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of March 23, 2009

Title: An act relating to modifying the loan repayment period for conservation projects funded by municipal utilities.

Brief Description: Extending the loan repayment period for municipally funded conservation projects.

Sponsors: Representative Chase.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/09, 91-4.

Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 3/24/09.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY

Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)

Background: Municipal utilities may help customers finance conservation projects that allow the utility's customers to produce all or a portion of their own electricity through installation of a distributed electricity generation system that uses renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, or hydropower that are available on-site.

Municipal utilities may assist customers in energy conservation measures for existing structures, provided that any financing provided does not result in a conversion from one energy source to another.

Municipal utilities may offer assistance to customers that includes providing inspections of homes or equipment; lists of businesses that provide services; and arranging for the installing of conservation materials and financing of the purchase and installation of approved energy efficient materials and equipment.

A municipal utility providing financing for the purchase and installation of conservation materials to one of its customers must be reimbursed by incremental additions to the utility bill. All loans must be repaid and cannot exceed 120 months.

Summary of Bill: The time period which a customer of a municipal utility must repay any loan for energy efficiency improvements is increased from 120 months to 240 months.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.