S-3675               _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 6438

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1988 Regular Session

By Senators Benitz, Stratton, Newhouse, Bluechel, Owen, Nelson, Pullen, Madsen, Williams and Talmadge

Read first time 1/20/88 and referred to Committee on Energy & Utilities.

AN ACT Relating to authorization for the utilities and transportation commission to approve tariffs for gas companies and electrical companies that include banded rates; adding new sections to chapter 80.28 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature declares it is the policy of the state to:

          (1) Preserve affordable natural gas and electric services to the residents of the state;

          (2) Maintain and advance the efficiency and availability of natural gas and electric services to the residents of the state of Washington;

          (3) Ensure that customers pay only reasonable charges for natural gas and electric service;

          (4) Permit flexible pricing of natural gas and electric services.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     Upon request by a natural gas company or an electrical company, the commission may approve a tariff that includes banded rates for any nonresidential natural gas or electric service that is subject to effective competition.  "Banded rate" means a rate that has a minimum and maximum rate.  Rates may be changed within the rate band upon such notice as the commission may order.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     Sections 1 and 2 of this act are added to chapter 80.28 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.