FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1571

C 28 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Limiting regulation of electric vehicle battery charging facilities.

Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Eddy, McCoy, Crouse, Frockt, Kelley, Short, Jacks, Fitzgibbon and Billig; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission).

House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications

Senate Committee on Environment, Water & Energy

Background:

Utilities and Transportation Commission.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is a three-member commission that has broad authority to regulate in the public interest the rates, services, and practices of privately owned utilities and transportation companies. The UTC regulates these utilities under a "rate of return" system, in which a regulated utility is generally allowed to charge rates to cover its costs, plus reasonable compensation for the services rendered. The retail sale of electricity is generally subject to regulation by the UTC, unless a legal exception applies.

Electric Vehicles.

Electricity can be used as a transportation fuel to power electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are propelled by an electric motor powered by rechargeable battery packs. These vehicles typically have limited energy storage capacity, which must be replenished by plugging the vehicle into an electrical source to recharge the battery.

Battery Charging Stations.

In 2009 legislation was enacted to support the planning for, and development of, electric vehicle infrastructure in the state, including the deployment of stations to charge electric vehicle batteries. Under this act, a battery charging station generally refers to a code‑compliant electric assembly designed to charge electric vehicle batteries. A rapid charging station is generally defined as a code-compliant, industrial grade electrical outlet that provides faster recharging of electric vehicle batteries.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission's Electric Vehicles Work Session.

In October of 2010, the UTC held a work session to consider its regulatory role related to electric vehicles. The work session included discussion of regulatory issues relating to the resale of electricity at public charging stations and whether such activity should be subject to economic regulation by the UTC.

Summary:

The UTC may not regulate the rates, services, facilities, and practices of any entity that offers battery charging facilities to the public for hire if that entity: (1) is not otherwise subject to the UTC's jurisdiction as an electrical company; or (2) is otherwise subject to the UTC's jurisdiction as an electrical company, but its battery charging facilities are not subsidized by any regulated service. An electrical company may offer battery charging facilities as a regulated service, if the UTC approves.

Votes on Final Passage: