FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6408

                                  C 204 L 88

BYSenators Benitz, Bender, Newhouse, Vognild and Garrett

Revising provisions on the state energy code.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Energy Code prohibits local governments from enacting more efficient energy codes until January 1, 1989, unless the additional cost to the consumer is reimbursed with federal funds.  The State Energy Office is to report on the cost- effectiveness of the code in January 1988.

Although the Bonneville Power Administration has provided the required reimbursement to local jurisdictions in the past, it has not budgeted the expected $15-20 million to extend the reimbursement program regionally beyond 1988. 

SUMMARY:

Adoption of more energy efficient codes by local governments without consumer reimbursement from BPA or the servicing utility acquiring the conservation, or both, is prohibited for an additional year.  Jurisdictions that have adopted stricter codes by January 15, 1988, are exempt from the prohibition.  The reporting date on cost-effectiveness of the state code also is delayed for one year.

Peer review of the thermal testing study conducted by the UW is required to assess the validity of the study results.  The State Energy Office's director is to report on the cost-effectiveness of the state code based on the thermal testing study, a BPA conservation study, and other relevant data.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    37    11

      House 92   6 (House amended)

      Senate    45     0(Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988