SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6408

BYSenators Benitz, Bender, Newhouse, Vognild and Garrett

Revising provisions on the state energy code.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 28, 1988; February 3, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Madsen, Nelson, Owen, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Paul Parker (786-7455)

                  March 3, 1988

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1988

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:

The prohibition on local adoption of more energy efficient codes without consumer reimbursement from BPA is extended for two years.  The reporting date on cost-effectiveness of the state code is delayed also for two years.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: David Williams, Association of Washington Cities (against); Richard Fiddler, City of Seattle (against); Tom Mortimer, Washington PUD Association (against); Dick Watson, WSEO; Jake Fey, Tacoma City Light (against); Syd Berwager, Bonneville Power Administration; Gordon Varey, UW (for); Charles Kippenhan, UW (for); A. Emery, UW (for); Don McDonald (for); Larry Sundquist, Seattle Master Builders Association and Building Industry Association of Washington (for); Marc Sullivan, State Building Code Council (for); Leslie Ratchye, BPA

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Local adoption of more energy efficient codes is prohibited for an additional year without consumer reimbursement from BPA or the servicing utility acquiring the conservation, or both.  Jurisdictions that have adopted stricter codes by January 15, 1988 are exempt from the prohibition.

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