SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5572

BYHouse Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored bySenator Moore)

Relating to the authority of utilities to collect amounts not billed due to utility error.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5572 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Glenn Blackmon (786-7455); Judy Young (786-7455)

                  March 19, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 18, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Utilities sometimes make errors in metering or billing energy consumption by a customer.  If the error goes undetected for a long time, the customer may be held liable for a large bill, even though the undercharge was the result of an error by the utility.

SUMMARY:

When the error in billing is the fault of the utility, but the exact cause and date of error are not established, a six-month statute of limitations applies.  When the error in billing is the fault of the utility, and the cause and date of the error are established, a three-year statute of limitations applies.

Utility includes electric and gas companies regulated by the UTC, public utility districts, and municipal utilities.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Ray Moore; Randy Scott, Seattle City Light; Ron Newbry, Pacific Power & Light