Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5877

Introduced
1/8/24  

Caption

Providing information about the costs of the climate commitment act to electricity and natural gas customers.

Impact

The implementation of SB5877 could significantly impact state laws related to consumer protection and utility regulation. By compelling utilities to disclose detailed cost information linked to climate policies, the bill reinforces the legislative emphasis on transparency and accountability in utility pricing. This could pave the way for additional consumer rights legislation and may encourage further public discourse around the implications of climate action on everyday expenses.

Summary

SB5877 aims to enhance transparency regarding the costs associated with the Climate Commitment Act for customers of electricity and natural gas utilities. The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure that consumers are well-informed about how the costs of state climate policies are reflected in their utility bills. By mandating that utilities provide clear and accessible information, the bill seeks to promote greater understanding among consumers about the impact of state climate regulations on their energy expenses.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB5877 seems largely positive, with support from environmental advocates and consumer rights groups who see the bill as a crucial step in empowering consumers. They argue that informed customers can make better decisions and hold utilities accountable. However, there may be some opposition from utilities concerned about the administrative burden and potential pushback from consumers if costs increase dramatically due to climate policies.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB5877 might revolve around how the cost information is presented and whether it adequately reflects the complexities of climate-related charges, which could vary by region and utility. Some critics may argue that the requirements could be overly burdensome for utilities, leading to additional costs that might be passed on to consumers. The balance between consumer protection and regulatory flexibility for utilities will be critical in the ongoing discussion of this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA SB5771

Providing consumer relief for the climate commitment act.

WA HB1594

Addressing increased school transportation and operating costs due to the climate commitment act.

WA HB2173

Concerning executive sessions by publicly owned natural gas utilities under the open public meetings act in order to comply with the climate commitment act.

WA SB6047

Revised for 1st Substitute: Concerning executive sessions under the open public meetings act in order to comply with the climate commitment act.Original: Concerning executive sessions by publicly owned natural gas utilities under the open public meetings act in order to comply with the climate commitment act.

WA HB1780

Addressing unintended consequences of the climate commitment act.

WA LB1342

Provide a sales and use tax exemption for electricity and natural gas

WA SB5698

Concerning the compliance obligation under the climate commitment act for certain municipal gas utilities.

WA HB1856

Concerning the compliance obligation under the climate commitment act for certain municipal gas utilities.

WA SB5826

Requiring customer charges to be listed on utility billing statements if the charges are a result of implementing the Washington climate commitment act.

WA HB1904

Using climate commitment act revenues to pay for hybrid electric ferries.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.