SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5634
As of January 11, 2022
Title: An act relating to updating the utilities and transportation commission's regulatory fees.
Brief Description: Updating the utilities and transportation commission's regulatory fees.
Sponsors: Senator Carlyle.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Environment, Energy & Technology: 1/13/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the fees assessed by the Utilities and Transportation Commission for electric, natural gas, telecommunications, wastewater, and water companies from 0.2 percent to 0.4 percent of intrastate gross operating revenues.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY
Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)
Background:

Utilities and Transportation Commission.  The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is a three-member commission that regulates the rates, services, and practices of privately-owned utilities and transportation companies in Washington.  

 

The UTC is funded almost entirely through fees assessed to regulated companies each May based on their annual intrastate gross revenues.  Under current law, every electric, natural gas, telecommunications, wastewater, and water company regulated by the UTC must pay a fee equal to 0.2 percent of its intrastate gross operating revenues in excess of $50,000.  The UTC may, by rule, set minimum fees that do not exceed the cost of collecting the fees.  The UTC may also waive any or all of the minimum fees.  The fees paid are deposited in the Public Service Revolving Account.  The UTC draws from this fund subject to appropriation set by the Legislature. 
Summary of Bill:

Electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and water companies must pay the UTC a fee equal to 0.4 percent, instead of 0.2 percent, of intrastate gross operating revenues in excess of of $50,000. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 5, 2022.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.