Z-381                 _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 5518

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State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Senators Benitz and Williams; by request of Washington State Energy Office

Read first time 1/26/89 and referred to Committee on   Energy & Utilities.

AN ACT Relating to energy efficiency improvements in state facilities; adding a new section to chapter 43.21F RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that Washington citizens spend nearly fifty million dollars annually for energy in buildings and facilities owned or operated by the state.  Through investment in energy efficiency improvements and improved operations and maintenance practices, these energy costs can be reduced, thereby minimizing the state's fiscal vulnerability to the uncertainties associated with volatile energy prices which are likely to rise over time.  The legislature further finds that an energy efficiency account to finance efficiency improvements would reduce this vulnerability as well as:  Provide a cost-effective method of implementing energy efficiency improvements; provide continued funding over the life of the account for energy efficiency improvements; provide monitoring and improved performance of completed projects; and relieve pressure regularly placed on the capital budget to finance energy improvements in state buildings and facilities.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 43.21F RCW to read as follows:

          (1) The energy efficiency account is hereby created in the state treasury.  Moneys in the account may be spent only to acquire energy efficiency improvements that will reduce energy costs in state-owned or operated buildings and facilities.

          (2) Moneys in the energy efficiency account shall be administered by the state energy office to secure energy efficiency improvements in buildings and facilities owned or operated by the state.  Moneys in the energy efficiency account shall be subject to appropriation.

          (3) Disbursements from the account shall be on the authority of the director of the state energy office or the director's designee.

          (4) To receive a disbursement from the energy efficiency account, state agencies, in cooperation with the state energy office shall:

          (a) Identify opportunities for energy efficiency gains; and

          (b) Enter an interagency agreement which provides for full or partial financing of qualified energy improvements and a commitment to repay the account according to a mutually agreed upon repayment schedule.