SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2059

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, APRIL 5, 1991

Brief Description:  Providing low‑income persons with residential weatherization and energy assistance.

SPONSORS:Representatives H. Myers, Grant, O'Brien, Wineberry, Orr and Anderson.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Thorsness, Chairman; Jesernig, Nelson, Patterson, Roach, Stratton, Sutherland, and Williams. 

Staff:  Phil Moeller (786‑7445)

Hearing Dates:April 2, 1991; April 5, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Winter heating expenses can be overwhelming in some cases for low-income persons, sometimes exceeding mortgage or rent payments.  To reduce the likelihood that low-income residents will lose heat in the winter, utilities are prohibited from cutting off residential space heat utility services between November 15 and March 15 if the resident follows prescribed steps.

To be eligible for this protection, the individual must notify the utility of the inability to pay for utility services, apply for home heating assistance, and apply for weatherization assistance.  The utility and the customer enter into a payment plan that allows the customer to spread the cost of winter heat bills and past due amounts over the entire year.

The program expires June 30, 1991.

SUMMARY:

The winter heat shutoff moratorium program is continued indefinitely into the future.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This program has worked well and has helped low-income citizens.  There is no need for a termination date.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Holly Myers, prime sponsor (pro); Collins Sprague, WA Water Power (pro); Terry Oxley, Puget Power (pro)