SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6263

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators McCaslin, Garrett, Zimmerman, Owen and Stratton)

Changing procedures in first class cities for municipal utility hookup by private contractors.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 27, 1988; February 2, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6263 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Garrett, Halsan, Metcalf.

Senate Staff:Sam Thompson (786-7754); Eugene Green (786-7405)

                  February 16, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 16, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Three of Washington's first class cities--Seattle, Tacoma and Richland--operate electric utilities.  If a first class city operates an electric utility and assesses an installation charge for new or expanded service, a property owner may hire a private electrical contractor to perform the installation, in lieu of installation by city utility personnel.  A customer must, however, get prior written approval from the city utility for the installation by the private contractor.  If a request to employ a private contractor is denied, the utility must provide written reasons for the denial.

SUMMARY:

Customers of electric utilities operated by first class cities that assess installation charges for new or expanded service are no longer required to get prior written approval for the installation of electrical service by a private contractor.

The material or equipment installed by a private electrical contractor must, however, be approved by the electrical utility.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Kenneth Hunich and Betty Blair, Seattle City Light; Larry Stevens and Steve Washburn, National Electrical Contractors Association; Tracy Colard, I.B.E.W. Local 77; Edmund Kilga, Tacoma City Light