SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5572
BYSenator Moore
Relating to the authority of utilities to collect amounts not billed due to utility error.
Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1987
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5572 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Williams, Chairman; Benitz, Cantu, Nelson, Smitherman, Stratton.
Senate Staff:Glenn Blackmon (786-7455); Judy Young (786-7455)
February 17, 1987
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 17, 1987
BACKGROUND:
Utilities sometimes make errors in metering or billing energy consumption by a customer. If the error goes undetected for a long time, the customer may be held liable for a large bill, even though the undercharge was the result of an error by the utility.
SUMMARY:
SB 5572 was introduced by title only.
EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:
When the error in billing is the fault of the utility, but the exact cause and date of error are not established, a six-month statute of limitations applies. When the error in billing is the fault of the utility, and the cause and date of the error are established, a three-year statute of limitations applies.
Utility includes electric and gas companies regulated by the UTC, public utility districts, and municipal utilities.
Fiscal Note: available
Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Ray Moore; Randy Scott, Seattle City Light; Ron Newbry, Pacific Power & Light