BILL REQ. #:  H-1854.1 

Read first time 02/12/09.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to encouraging the use of solar water heating systems by retail customers of light and power businesses and gas companies; and adding a new chapter to Title 80 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that Washington's growing population and economy will put a strain on energy supplies and threaten the ability of the state to meet its climate policy goals unless specific steps are taken to reduce demand and utilize energy more efficiently. Water heating for domestic and industrial use relies almost entirely on electricity and natural gas and accounts for a significant percentage of the state's electrical and natural gas consumption. Solar water heating systems represent one of the largest untapped electricity and natural gas conservation potential remaining in Washington. The legislature finds that solar water heaters can provide one-half or more of the hot water needs in the average home and reduce electric or natural gas consumption with free renewable energy from the sun.
     (2) It is the intent of the legislature to facilitate the installation of solar water heating systems in homes and businesses. Installing solar water heating systems will support energy conservation, save thousands of dollars in home heating costs, and preserve the environment.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) Beginning August 1, 2009, a light and power business or gas company may provide a rebate to its retail customers for the costs incurred by the retail customers in installing solar water heating systems in their home or business. The amount of the rebate must not be more than seventy-five percent of the total costs incurred by the customer for solar water heating systems
     (2) In determining the amount of the rebate, a light and power business or gas company must determine a tiered amount based on the efficiency of the solar water heating system.
     (3) No individual, household, business, or local governmental entity is eligible for rebates of more than five thousand dollars per calendar year.
     (4) For the purposes of this chapter, a solar water heating system must, at a minimum, have a solar rating and certification corporation certification as of August 1, 2009.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Each light and power business or gas company may establish a grant program to assist its retail customers in installing solar water heating systems in their home or business, to the extent state or federal funds are appropriated specifically for this purpose.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Sections 1 through 3 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 80 RCW.