SB 5661 - DIGEST

     Provides that the commission has the authority to approve pilot programs for direct access with retail electric customers of individual electrical companies.

     Provides that the governing body of a public utility district, municipal electric utility, or electric cooperative has the authority to approve pilot programs for direct access with retail electric customers.

     Requires that, no later than January 1, 1998, every electric utility shall:  (1) Separate its generation, transmission, and distribution assets and operations to accurately assess the costs of utility functions and to allow for fair and accurate pricing of  unbundled services; and

     (2) publish separate rates, terms, and conditions for at least the following unbundled products and services:  Electricity; ancillary services; and direct access to distribution facilities.

     Requires that, no later than January 1, 1998, every bill to a retail electric customer from an electricity service supplier must contain, among other things:  (1) A complete and accurate list of the rates and amount due for each unbundled service or product that the customer is purchasing;

     (2) the rates and amount of state and local taxes, if any, imposed on the customer; and

     (3) other price information necessary to facilitate customer choice, as determined by the commission for electrical companies, pursuant to rules adopted under RCW 80.04.160, and by the governing body of public utility districts, municipal electric utilities, and electric cooperatives.