THE SENATE
                THE TWENTIETH LEGISLATURE
                 REGULAR SESSION OF 2000

    MEASURES DEFERRED TO WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2000

      COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
                       10:30 a.m.
                   Conference Room 016


        DECISION MAKING ON THE FOLLOWING MEASURES
            (Deferred from February 11, 2000)


SB 3151    RELATING TO UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITY LINES   CPN, WAM
           Establishes   an    underground   conversion   fund
           administered  by  the  public  utilities commission
           with    funds     deposited     from    legislative
           appropriations,    voluntary    contributions   and
           utilities as authorized by the PUC. Requires PUC to
           establish  cost   allocations   for  counties  that
           determine   underground   zones   through   special
           improvement districts by ordinance.

SB 2282    RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION       CPN
           Requires  the  PUC  to  authorize  the  need  for a
           regulated utility's proposed capital project within
           a conservation  district  before  the department of
           land and natural resources may accept the utility's
           application for a conservation district use permit.

SB 2809    RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION   CPN, WAM
           Clarifies that  the  division  of consumer advocacy
           and  the  Public  Utilities  Commission  share  the
           responsibility for collecting consumer complaints.

SB 2284    RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION       CPN
           Requires the PUC to establish an intervenor program
           to   assist    consumers    in   PUC   proceedings.
           Appropriates funds to the  PUC for the creation and
           maintenance of an internet web site.

SB 2548    RELATING TO ENERGY                           CPN, WAM
           Requires the  public  utilities  commission to: (1)
           develop and  implement  a  grant  program to offset
           costs of  eligible  distributed generation systems;
           and (2)  establish  appropriate interconnection and
           safety  standards  and  requirements  and operating
           agreements for distributed generation systems.


 


 
SB 2279    RELATING TO UTILITY LINES                         CPN
           Establishes a  state  policy  with  respect  to the
           placement  of   utility   lines   that  values  the
           aesthetic benefit  of  the  natural landscape above
           all other factors.

SB 2287    RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION   CPN, WAM
           Establishes a special fund  to  be used towards the
           conversion  of  utility   lines  from  overhead  to
           underground.  Authorizes   the   collection  of  an
           allocation    from    utilities    and    voluntary
           contributions from consumers to help fund the fund.
           Permits taxpayers to contribute to the fund through
           their tax returns.

SB 2351    RELATING TO UTILITY LINES                    CPN, WAM
           Establishes  an  intervenor  program  that  assists
           consumers   participation   in   PUC   proceedings.
           Requires PUC  to  establish:  a  one-call system to
           identify  underground   facilities;   a  conversion
           program that  converts  overhead  utility  lines to
           underground lines, with utilities to participate in
           funding. Authorizes PUC  to  require  ADR to settle
           issues  prior  to  hearing.  Appropriates  funds to
           quantify    benefits    of    underground    lines.
           Appropriates funds to  educate and inform consumers
           about PUC activities, processes & procedure.


                No testimony will be accepted.


For further information, please call the committee clerk at 586-6460.