FINAL BILL REPORT

HJR 4223

BYRepresentatives Nelson, Barnes, Jacobsen and Wang; by request of Washington State Energy Office

Extending and expanding the authorization for government utilities to lend money for energy conservation.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

In 1979 enabling public utilities to make residential energy conservation loans was considered a useful means to improve the electric energy supply outlook.  To permit these loans a constitutional amendment was passed creating an exception to the general prohibition against loaning the state's credit.  The amendment expires January 1, 1990.

SUMMARY:

The expiration date of the constitutional amendment authorizing public utility residential conservation loans is eliminated. Loan authority is expanded to include commercial and industrial customers.  The loans may be used only for conservation purposes in existing structures and not for purposes that result in a customer converting from one energy source to another.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 94   0

      Senate    33    16 (Senate amended)

      House 94   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:Upon approval by the voters of the state at the next general election.