SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6560
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 1, 2012
Title: An act relating to modifying the definition of high-efficiency cogeneration in the energy independence act.
Brief Description: Modifying the definition of high-efficiency cogeneration in the energy independence act.
Sponsors: Senators Ranker and Hargrove.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters:
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, NATURAL RESOURCES & MARINE WATERS |
Staff: William Bridges (786-7416)
Background: Approved by voters in 2006, the Energy Independence Act, also known as Initiative 937 (I-937), requires electric utilities with 25,000 or more customers to meet targets for energy conservation and for using eligible renewable resources. Utilities that must comply with I-937 are called qualifying utilities.
Energy Conservation Assessments and Targets. Each qualifying electric utility must pursue all available conservation that is cost-effective, reliable, and feasible. By January 1, 2010, each qualifying utility must assess the conservation it can achieve through 2019, and update the assessments every two years for the next ten-year period. Beginning January 2010, each qualifying utility must meet biennial conservation targets that are consistent with its conservation assessments. In meeting its conservation targets, a qualifying utility may count high-efficiency cogeneration owned and used by a retail electric customer, if the facility has a useful thermal energy output of no less than 33 percent of the total energy output.
Summary of Bill: Clarifying the Definition of High-Efficiency Cogeneration. In meeting its conservation targets, a qualifying utility may count high-efficiency cogeneration owned and used by a retail electric customer, if the cogeneration facility is designed to have a projected overall thermal conversion efficiency of at least 70 percent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 31, 2012.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.