SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5014

BYSenators Williams, Owen, Stratton, Warnke, Smitherman, Wojahn, DeJarnatt, Bailey, Saling, Talmadge, Garrett, Bauer, Rasmussen, Tanner and Moore

Providing for weatherization of residences of low-income persons.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5014 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 20, 1987; January 27, 1987

Senate Staff:Glenn Blackmon (786-7455)

                  January 27, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, JANUARY 27, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Weatherizing a home to decrease its energy use typically saves about $3 for every $1 spent.  The comfort and health of residents also is improved.  Washington currently weatherizes each year about 6,000 homes of low-income families, using federal and utility funds.  The state has a waiting list of about 34,500 families, and existing funding sources are decreasing.  About 135,000 families are eligible for the weatherization program.

The Governor's Power Washington Committee has allocated $12 million to establish a low-income weatherization fund.  Using matching funds, more than 25,000 homes eventually could be weatherized under the program.

SUMMARY:

The low-income weatherization fund is created as an account in the state treasury.  Money from the fund can be spent only by legislative appropriation.

The Department of Community Development is authorized to solicit proposals from utilities, landlords, and others to use money from the fund for low-income weatherization.  The Department is authorized to require matching funds and is directed to allocate money among proposals to achieve as great savings as possible.  A rented home cannot be weatherized without permission of the owner, and the Department shall ensure that the benefits accrue primarily to the tenant.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

DCD may exempt non-utility sponsors from match requirements, if necessary to provide greatest possible benefits to low-income residents.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Kay Sanders, League of Women Voters; Kathy Friedt, Department of Community Development; Tom Paine, Washington Water Power Co.; Don McDonald, self; Enid Layes, Home Builders; Ron Newbry, Pacific Power; Alex Roos, Washington Apt. Assn.; Liz Thomas, Pacific Power; Arnold Livingston, Senior Citizens Lobby; Randy Scott, Seattle City Light