SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8221

BYSenators Benitz, Williams, von Reichbauer and Conner; by request of Washington State Energy Office

Extending and expanding the authorization for government utilities to lend money for energy conservation.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 28, 1988

Senate Staff:Paul Parker (786-7455)

AS OF JANUARY 27, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1979, voters approved a constitutional amendment (Art. VIII, sec. 10) authorizing municipal utilities to make loans to finance residential energy conservation.  Although the Washington Supreme Court recently recognized that municipal utilities have statutory authority to purchase conservation, the option to offer conservation loans may end when the constitutional amendment expires January 1, 1990.

SUMMARY:

The January 1, 1990 expiration date on Article VIII, section 10 is removed.  The limitation that loans may finance only residential conservation is deleted and new language is added to allow public utilities to make loans for conservation in commercial and industrial facilities and equipment. 

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested