HB 3143-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that integrated resource planning provides a sound method for utilities to ensure that they can serve their customers' current and future needs, and can lead to significant development of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Requires each electric utility to develop an integrated resource plan consistent with the provisions of this act. The plan shall be prepared on a biennial basis and, at a minimum, must include: (1) A range of forecasts of future customer demand using methods that examine the effect of economic forces on the consumption of electricity and that address changes in the number, type, and efficiency of electrical end-uses;

(2) An assessment of technically feasible improvements in the efficient use of electricity, including load management and fuel switching, as well as currently employed and new policies and programs needed to obtain the efficiency improvements;

(3) An assessment of technically feasible generating technologies including but not limited to renewable resources, cogeneration, power purchases, and thermal resources;

(4) An evaluation comparing the cost-effectiveness of generating resources with the cost-effectiveness of improvements in the efficient use of electricity;

(5) The integration of the demand forecasts and resource evaluations into a long-range integrated resource plan describing the mix of resources and efficiency measures that will meet current and future needs at the lowest reasonable cost to the utility and its ratepayers;

(6) A short-term plan outlining the specific actions to be taken by the utility consistent with the long-range integrated resource plan; and

(7) For all plans subsequent to the initial integrated resource plan, a progress report that relates the new plan to the previously filed plan.

Requires each consumer-owned utility to develop and publish a work plan for the preparation of an integrated resource plan. The work plan shall set forth the proposed content of the integrated resource plan, the proposed schedule of preparation, and provisions for public involvement in the preparation and review of the plan. The governing body of each utility shall approve an integrated resource plan only after it has provided public notice and hearing on the proposed plan. Each consumer-owned utility shall publish final integrated resource plans either as part of an annual report or as a separate document available to the public.

Requires each consumer-owned utility to transmit a copy of its integrated-resource plans to the department by July 31, 2006, and transmit subsequent plans every two years thereafter.

Provides that, every two years as part of its biennial report required under RCW 43.21F.045, the department shall review the integrated resource plans of consumer-owned utilities and prepare a report to the legislature assessing the utilities' conformance with this act.