Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the Public Utility Commission to provide energy assistance to low-income earners.

Highlights:

• Defines “environmental justice” as equal protection from environmental and health hazards and meaningful public participation in decisions that affect the environment in which people live, work, learn, practice spirituality and play (Sec. 1-4).

• Defines “rate” as any fare, charge, joint rate, schedule or groups of rates or other remuneration or compensation for service (Sec. 1-9).

• Specifies if the Public Utility Commission determines that a tariff results in a rate classification primarily related to price competition or a service alternative, the commission must consider the following (Sec. 2):

• Whether the rate generates revenues at least sufficient to cover relevant short and long run costs of the utility during the term of the rates;

• Whether the rate generates revenues sufficient to insure that just and reasonable rates are established for remaining customers of the utility;

• For electric and natural gas utilities:

• Whether it is appropriate to incorporate interruption of service in the utility’s rate agreement with the customer; and

• Whether the rate agreement requires the utility to acquire new resources to serve the load;

• For electric utilities the effect of the rate on the utility’s average system cost through the residential exchange provision of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act.

• Specifies that in administering an agreement entered into under this section, the commission by rule or order may determine (Sec. 3-3):

• The amount of financial assistance that may be provided to any organization;

• The manner in which the financial assistance will be distributed;

• The manner in which the financial assistance will be recovered; and

• Other matters necessary to administer the agreement.

• Establishes, through the Public Utility Commission, a public process for the purpose of investigating ways to address and mitigate differential energy burdens on classes of public utility customers and other inequities of affordability and environmental justice which will do the following (Sec. 4):

• Investigate the potential for demand response, weatherization and other programs to reduce energy burdens and energy bills;

• Investigate the potential for mitigation of energy burdens through bill reduction measures or programs that may include, but need not be limited to, establishing a bill credit program, a low-income rate classification or a multifamily rate classification; and

• Study best practices from around the country for delivery of programs and creation of systems that mitigate differential energy burdens.

Full Bill Text