SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5425

BYSenators Williams, Benitz and Owen; by request of Washington State Energy Office

Revising provisions on district heating systems.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 12, 1987; March 6, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5425 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Glenn Blackmon (786-7455)

                  March 6, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 6, 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.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Before establishing a heating system, municipalities are required to conduct a public hearing and assess any effects on rates of existing utilities.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ed McGuire, WSEO; Gordon Bloomquist, WSEO; Sharyn Parker, METRO; Ron Newbry, Pacific Power