SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5989

BYSenators Benitz, Owen and Stratton

Requiring notification of utilities prior to working on overhead powerlines.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989

Senate Staff:Paul Ahern (786-7449)

AS OF FEBRUARY 21, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Each year there are a number of incidents with overhead electric power lines, some leading to serious injury and even death.  Electric utilities have no way of knowing when construction is being carried on in close proximity to overhead power lines.  Legislation on the books assigns responsibility for location of underground utilities and allows for penalties for noncompliance.  This "one number" legislation has worked quite well and under this bill would be extended to cover overhead lines.  Through this same system, power companies would be notified of construction near overhead lines.  Work could not commence until safety arrangements had been agreed to by the project owner and the utility.  Violation of this act would result in possible civil penalties and responsibility for the resulting damages.

SUMMARY:

RCW 19.122.010 and RCW 19.122.020 are amended and two new sections are added requiring notification to be given to utilities prior to commencing construction near overhead power lines.  Civil penalties are provided for and responsibility for damages is assigned to the violator of the act.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested