6444-S.E AMH FINN DELM 046

ESSB 6444 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-5483.2/10) 1451

By Representative Finn

WITHDRAWN 3/05/2010

    On page 40, after line 17, insert the following:

    "(3) Appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:

(a) During the 2009-11 biennium, an electric company that proposes to purchase electricity from a baseload renewable power facility may file an application for approval of the purchase at cost base rates to the utilities and transportation commission.

(b) Upon application by an electrical company, the utilities and transportation commission must approve a cost base rate adjustment mechanism to provide full and timely recovery of expenditures for the power generated by a baseload renewable power facility. 

(c) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring an electric company to purchase power from a qualified baseload renewable power facility.

(d) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this subsection.

(i) "Baseload renewable power facility" means a facility that:

(A) Generates electricity from a renewable resource, as defined in RCW 19.285.030, that is produced or sourced in Washington state; and

(B) Is designed and intended to provide electricity at an annualized facility capacity factor of at least 60 percent.

(ii) "Cost base rate" means a transparent and reasonable cost of electricity production that takes into account the following elements:

(A) Capital costs;

(B) Fixed and variable operating costs;

(C) Fuel type and costs; and

(D) Appropriate escalation indexes."

EFFECT: Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC):    Allows an electric company proposing to purchase electricity from a baseload renewable power facility to file an application with the UTC for approval of the purchase at cost base rates.  Requires the UTC to approve a cost base rate adjustment mechanism to provide full and timely recovery of expenditures for the power generated by a baseload renewable power facility.   Provides definitions for "baseload  renewable power facility" and "cost base rate."

FISCAL IMPACT: No change to appropriated levels.

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