SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6110

BYSenators Lee, Garrett and Talmadge

Requiring underground transmission lines.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 22, 1988

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

AS OF JANUARY 21, 1988

BACKGROUND:

A municipal utility may serve customers outside of its municipal boundary.  However these customers may not have direct representation in the municipal's legislative body, unlike customers residing within the boundary.

Concern has been raised over possible health effects from magnetic fields around high-voltage electrical transmission lines.  Additionally, high transmission lines are cited as having a negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of a community.

SUMMARY:

Municipal utilities are required to bury electrical transmission lines with a capacity of carrying two hundred kilovolts or more and which are located outside of the municipal's boundaries.  The requirement applies only if the lines pass through an area with a population density of one hundred persons per square mile or greater and the lines pass within 2000 feet of any residence.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested