SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1003
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 16, 2011
Title: An act relating to efficiency standards for consumer products.
Brief Description: Establishing energy efficiency standards for consumer products.
Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Stanford, Frockt, Moeller and Upthegrove).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/26/11, 56-41.
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 3/08/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: Washington law sets minimum energy efficiency standards for nine categories of electrical products sold, offered for sale, or installed in the state:
automatic commercial ice cube machines;
certain wine chillers;
commercial hot food holding cabinets;
commercial refrigerators and freezers;
tub spout diverters;
certain incandescent reflector lights;
pool heaters, residential pool pumps, and portable electrical spas;
hot water dispensers and mini-tank electric water heaters; and
bottle-type and point-of-use water dispensers.
Federal law generally allows states to establish minimum energy efficiency standards for electrical products that are not currently addressed in federal law.
Summary of Bill: Minimum efficiency standards are established for the following electrical products manufactured on or after January 1, 2012, that are sold or offered for sale in the state:
compact audio products;
digital versatile disc (DVD) players and digital versatile disc recorders (DVRs); and
state-regulated external power supplies.
These products may not be installed for compensation in the state on or after January 1, 2013, unless they meet the specified efficiency standards.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: By setting energy efficiency standards for additional products, this bill helps to limit load growth, which will help keep consumer utility rates down. Energy efficiency, lowering energy use, is the cleanest, cheapest way to meet demand for new energy, and efficiency standards like those set in this bill are the most cost-effective way to achieve energy efficiency. The average American home includes 5-10 external power supplies; a billion are shipped each year. Standards in this bill will save an average of 2.7 megawatts per year, equivalent to the energy use by 2100 homes, and will save consumers several million dollars in the next ten years. The bill promotes energy conservation goals.
OTHER: Retailers are uncertain regarding external power supplies that may be subject to regulation under this bill.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Morris, prime sponsor; Kim Drury, NW Energy Coalition; Peter Thein, Sierra Club, Cascade Chapter; Kathleen Collins, PacifiCorp.
OTHER: Mark Johnson, Washington Retail Association.