FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 6614
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. |
C 295 L 10
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Clarifying the applicability of business and occupation tax to conservation programs with the Bonneville power administration.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Pridemore, Zarelli, Morton, Delvin and Marr).
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Background: The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) operates two programs that allows utilities to receive credits on their monthly purchases of power from BPA. From 2001 through 2006, the Conservation and Renewable Discount Program funded local weatherization and conservation programs. That program was replaced by the Conservation Rate Credit.
To fund larger conservation projects, BPA used the Conservation Augmentation Program from 2001 through 2006. That program was replaced by the Conservation Acquisition Agreement program. These programs allowed utilities to request specific funding for a project that would reduce a customer's power consumption.
The Department of Revenue has concluded that the credits and payments received by utilities under the above programs are subject to the business and occupation tax.
Summary: Credits or funds provided by the BPA for the purposes of implementing energy conservation programs or demand-side management programs are exempt from the business and occupation tax.
The exemption from the business and occupation tax expires June 30, 2015.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 47 | 0 | |
House | 95 | 2 |
Effective: | June 10, 2010 |