SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 425

BYHouse Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives Nelson, Barnes, Jacobsen, P. King and Unsoeld; by request of Washington State Energy Office)

Revising provisions on district heating systems.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 24, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Williams, Chairman; Owen, Vice Chairman; Benitz, Cantu, Nelson, Smitherman, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Glenn Blackmon (786-7455)

                  March 24, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 24, 1987

BACKGROUND:

District heating systems can provide space and water heating to several buildings in a neighborhood or downtown area.  The systems can use one or more otherwise wasted heat sources, including agricultural or wood residues, municipal solid waste, and heat from sewage effluent.

Washington law provides for the development of district heating by local government or by private firms, though the laws applying to public and private developers have minor differences. State law does not specifically give a metropolitan municipal corporation, such as Metro in King County, authority to develop district heating systems.

SUMMARY:

Metropolitan municipal corporations are authorized to develop district heating systems and provide heating services.  Definitions relating to public and private development are made consistent.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Before establishing a heating system, a municipality is required to hold a hearing and assess the long-term impacts on rates of utility customers in the area.

Senate Committee - Testified: No one