1459 AMH TTE ALBE 1

HB 1459 - H COMM AMD ADOPTED 3/3/99

By Committee on Technology, Telecommunications & Energy

     On page 1, line 7, strike all language beginning with A(1)@ through ARCW 70.164.020(4)@ on page 1, line 19, and insert the following:

AUpon request by an electrical or gas company, the commission may approve rates, charges, services, and/or physical facilities at a discount for low-income senior customers and low-income customers.  Expenses and lost revenues as a result of these discounts shall be included in the company=s cost of service and recovered in rates to other customers@

EFFECT: The amendment:(1) clarifies that discounted rates are to be approved by the WUTC upon request by an electric or gas company; (2) removes water companies from those types of companies that can request to provide discounted rates; (3) clarifies that discounts for a change in physical facilities can be provided;(4) removes codified definitions of Alow-income senior citizen@ and Alow-income citizen;@ and (5) clarifies that costs and expenses for providing discounted services and physical facilities must be recovered in rates.