SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6742

BYSenators Lee and Talmadge

Requiring notice of electricity expansion beyond cities.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1990; February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6742 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Metcalf, Nelson, Owen, Patrick.

Minority Report:     Do not pass.

     Signed by Senators Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                February 5, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Electricity service is provided in the state by a variety of different public utility entities.  Investor-owned utilities provide electric service, and are regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.  Public utility districts may provide electrical service, and are governed by boards of elected commissioners.  Rural cooperatives may provide service, and are directed by customer-elected boards.  Municipalities may also provide service, and are governed by the elected officials in that jurisdiction.

Some people who are served by municipal utilities, but who live outside the city limits of the municipality, contend that they lack an equal voice on matters pertaining to utility service because they cannot vote for the elected officials of the municipality.  This condition is particularly sensitive in relation to the location of electric power lines.

SUMMARY:

Whenever a municipality providing electric service sells electricity outside of its boundaries, it shall consult with the governing body of any affected local jurisdiction when it constructs or alters electric power lines with a capacity in excess of 15,000 volts.

Except in emergency situations, the municipality shall provide two weeks' notice to the governing body of any affected local jurisdiction.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The intent section is removed.  The remaining section, outlining duties of municipal electric utilities, remains unchanged.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Senator Lee, prime sponsor; Senator Talmadge; Tom Manley, CAOPL; Laurie Gisenger, Henry Yates, Dennis Gray, Seattle City Light (con); Greg Hanon, Tacoma City Light