Brief Description: Creating a Washington state energy efficiency program road map.

Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Ericks, Pettigrew, P. Sullivan, Hunt, Roberts, McCoy, Eickmeyer, Moeller, Miloscia, Grant, Sells, Williams, Hasegawa, Upthegrove, Kenney, Santos, Simpson and Hudgins.

Hearing Date: 1/26/06

Staff: Scott Richards (786-7156).

Background:

Potential of Recent Washington State Policies
According to the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, Washington's Legislature passed energy efficiency legislation in 2005 that has the potential to save 900,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, 13 million therms of natural gas, and 1.7 billion gallons of water in the year 2020, 14 after the standards have become effective, with a total net present value to buyers of $490 million dollars in 2020.

Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency may refer to activities that are aimed at reducing the energy used by substituting technically more advanced equipment, typically without affecting the services provided. Examples include high–efficiency appliances, efficient lighting programs, high–efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or control modifications, efficient building design, advanced electric motor drives, and heat recovery systems.

Washington State University Energy Program
The Legislature has authorized the Washington State University Energy Program (Program) to serve as a central, nonregulatory clearinghouse of credible and reliable information addressing various aspects of climate change and clean energy activities.

Summary of Bill:

The Program must conduct a study to create a Washington State Energy Efficiency Program Road Map (Road Map).

The study must:

• evaluate the state's current efforts with respect to energy efficiency and conservation;
• evaluate the state's role in regional efforts to improve energy efficiency and conservation;
• evaluate the effectiveness of other jurisdictions with established programs for funding energy efficiency and conservation;
• evaluate methods for funding energy efficiency and conservation;
• identify areas where the state needs to increase energy efficiency and conservation;
• identify areas where the state could establish, expand, or fund efforts related to energy efficiency and conservation;

The Road Map must contain recommended steps to be taken by the state, local governments, the Program, and other interested parties to establish, fund, and expand energy efficiency and conservation.

In conducting the study to create the Road Map, the Program may consult with the following:

• representatives from all state agencies that deal with energy issues;
• representatives from public utility districts;
• representatives from electric utilities regulated by the utilities and transportation commission;
• a representative from a private industry engaged in business related to energy efficiency and conservation;
• a representative from an environmental organization;
• a representative of energy users including commercial, industrial, and residential users; and
• a representative from a regional organization involved in energy planning and distribution.

The Program must report results and provide the Road Map to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 31, 2007.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/23/06.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.