Bill Summary for Bill Number SB09-039

Date: 03/10/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB09-039

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Moved to refer Senate Bill 09-039 to the Committee	PASS

01:33 PM -- Senate Bill 09-039

Representative McFadyen called the committee to order. A quorum was present.

01:34 PM

Representative Curry, prime sponsor of Senate Bill 09-039, discussed the merits of the bill. The bill would authorize cooperative electric associations (CEAs) to approve any revenue-neutral rate, charge, service, classification, or facility that establishes a graduated rate for increased energy consumption by residential customers. Representative Curry responded to questions from committee members. Supporting letters and a handout were provided to the committee (Attachments A, B, and C).

01:38 PM

Representative McFadyen asked for witnesses to testify regarding the bill.

01:39 PM -- Mr. Del Worley, representing Holy Cross Energy, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Worley discussed tiered rate systems and explained potential benefits for energy cooperatives. He also provided additional information on Holy Cross Energy and its services provided to customers. Holy Cross Energy also provides free energy audits and conservation education services for youth. Mr. Worley responded to questions from committee members. Representative Vaad asked Mr. Worley to comment on how excess revenues created due to tiered rates would be handled.

01:45 PM -- Mr. Kent Singer, representing Holy Cross Energy, offered to respond to questions from committee members. Representative Vaad asked Mr. Singer to respond to his earlier question on excess revenues and rate tiers.

01:48 PM -- Mr. Ray Clifton, representing the Colorado Rural Electric Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Clifton stated that the bill is an additional means to implement energy efficiency and conservation.

01:50 PM -- Mr. John Villyard, representing the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, testified in support of the bill.

01:51 PM -- Ms. Pam Kiely, representing Environment Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kiely discussed current challenges to achieve greater energy efficiency that is also affordable for consumers.

01:54 PM

Representative McFadyen closed the witness phase.

01:55 PM

Rep. Curry provided closing comments and asked for an affirmative vote by the committee.


BILL:	SB09-039
TIME:	01:55:00 PM
MOVED:	Fischer
MOTION:	Moved to refer Senate Bill 09-039 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on an 11-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Looper
		VOTE
	Baumgardner	Yes
	Fischer	Yes
	Frangas	Yes
	King S.	Yes
	Looper	Yes
	McNulty	Yes
	Merrifield	Yes
	Primavera	Yes
	Vaad	Yes
	Green	Yes
	McFadyen	Yes

Final YES: 11 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS