Update on Pole Attachments (2SHB 2533, SB 6585)

Originally, these two bills set requirements that pole attachment rates must meet certain criteria and set an appeal process that would have given the WA Utilities & Transportation Commission authority to determine whether municipal pole attachment rates were just and reasonable. The House bill is still alive, but not longer affects city-owned poles. The Senate bill died in committee prior to the cutoff date. The Public Utility Districts are continuing talks with the prime sponsor in the House since they are the only remaining public utility group still affected by the bill.

Sustainable Energy Trust (SHB 1032)

This bill from last session has been revived and sent to the Senate Water, Energy & Telecommunications Committee. A hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 20 at 3:30 pm. The bill would do two things:

Allow an electric or natural gas utility to collect a monthly system benefits charge from customers. The 17 cities that provide electricity service and the three cities that provide natural gas service would be eligible.
Allow utilities to establish a Sustainable Energy Trust to fund the development of sustainable energy resources of 5 megawatts or less, or smart energy technologies that are connected to the distribution system of an electric utility.

Wireless Antennae Permitting

The House Technology, Energy & Communications Committee will hold a work session on the issue of siting and permitting wireless antennae on Friday, February 22 at 8 am. It has been a number of years since the Legislature dealt with wireless facilities, so this will be a new issue to most members of the Committee. The Chair has indicated this work session will be the start of an interim review of this issue. Cities will be participating in the work session and in any additional meetings relating to this subject.

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