SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1184
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Environment, Water & Energy, March 24, 2009
Title: An act relating to modifying the loan repayment period for conservation projects funded by municipal utilities and public utility districts.
Brief Description: Extending the loan repayment period for municipally funded conservation projects.
Sponsors: Representative Chase.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/09, 91-4.
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 3/24/09 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Fraser, Hatfield, Holmquist, Marr, Morton and Ranker.
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
Background: Municipal utilities may help customers finance conservation projects that allow the utility's customers to produce all or a portion of their own electricity through installation of a distributed electricity generation system that uses renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, or hydropower that are available on-site.
Municipal utilities may assist customers in energy conservation measures for existing structures, provided that any financing provided does not result in a conversion from one energy source to another.
Municipal utilities may offer assistance to customers that includes providing inspections of homes or equipment; lists of businesses that provide services; and arranging for the installing of conservation materials and financing of the purchase and installation of approved energy efficient materials and equipment.
A municipal utility providing financing for the purchase and installation of conservation materials to one of its customers must be reimbursed by incremental additions to the utility bill. All loans must be repaid and cannot exceed 120 months.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The time period which a customer of a municipal utility or public utility district must repay any loan for energy efficiency improvements is increased from 120 months to 240 months.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Adds the provision extending the timeframe in which customers of a public utilities district may repay a loan for water conservation improvements from 120 months to 240 months.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: Extending the timeframe in which a person can amortize a loan will make it easier for many people to pay for energy efficiency projects.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Chase, prime sponsor.