SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2527

BYRepresentatives Jacobsen, Miller and Nelson; by request of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Revising due dates for payment of regulatory fees.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 15, 1990; February 16, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Metcalf, Nelson, Owen, Patrick, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                  February 16, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 16, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Last year the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) was given authority to set by rule dates for filing of annual reports by regulated public service companies.  Public service companies pay a small fraction of their revenues to the commission to cover the cost of regulation.  Most companies pay their regulatory fees when they file their annual reports, but the statute still specifies payment by April 1 of each year.  Allowing the WUTC to set the date for payment of fees as the same date for filing annual reports would result in more efficient WUTC administration.

SUMMARY:

Regulatory fees for public service companies are due on the date the WUTC sets by rule for filing annual reports.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Raymond Day, UTC