Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology & Economic Development Committee |
HB 2814
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. |
Brief Description: Studying state policies and programs that impact the affordability of retail electric bills in Washington state.
Sponsors: Representatives Smith, McCabe and Young.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/18
Staff: Nikkole Hughes (786-7156).
Background:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) was established to conduct objective performance audits, program evaluations, special studies, and sunset reviews on behalf of the Legislature and the citizens of the state of Washington. The JLARC makes recommendations to the Legislature and to state agencies to improve the performance of state government and identify cost savings.
Summary of Bill:
The JLARC is directed to conduct a review of state policies and programs that have a direct or indirect impact on retail electric bills in the state, including but not limited to policies and programs that regulate greenhouse gas emissions from the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution sector of the economy. The review must evaluate, at a minimum, the impact of the following on retail electric bills:
meeting conservation targets and annual renewable energy targets under Chapter 19.285 RCW;
providing net metering under Chapter 80.60 RCW;
mitigating carbon dioxide emissions under Chapter 80.70 RCW;
meeting the baseload electric generation performance standard under Chapter 80.80 RCW; and
meeting the requirements of any other relevant legislation enacted during the 2018 regular legislative session.
The review must determine the effectiveness of and identify any conflicting objectives among the state policies and programs under review. The review must also evaluate the impact and efficacy of energy-related incentive programs and tax preferences for which all electric utilities in the state may qualify.
The JLARC must consult with relevant state agencies and electric utilities in completing the review.
The JLARC must submit a preliminary report of its findings to the Governor and the energy committees of the Legislature by December 31, 2018. A final report must be submitted to the governor and the energy committees of the Legislature by April 1, 2019.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.