HB1125 – Incentivizing energy conservation and efficiency by landlords; expanding rate discounts. (Dead)
Prime Sponsor – Representative Shewmake (D; 42nd District; Whatcom County) (Co-sponsor Fitzgibbon – D)
Current status – Had a hearing in the House Committee on Environment and Energy January 21st and 26th. Executive action scheduled but not taken January 29th.
Next step would be – Dead bill.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.

Comments –
Senator Carlyle’s SB5295 includes nearly identical provisions for efficiency and conservation measures in rental properties, with the addition of required reporting on the results to the UTC and WSU’s energy program every two years,

Summary –
Authorizes the Utilities and Transportation Commission to allow private electric and gas utilities to invest in energy efficiency and conservation measures in rental properties that wouldn’t currently be cost-effective unless the owner paid part of the initial cost. They’re to be allowed a return on these investments over a period of time that reduces the customer’s energy burden and minimizes the impact on the customer’s bill, while incentivizing the company to make them. These investments are to be secured by the meter, and repaid over time through an “energy services charge” on the regular bills paid by tenants or the building owner. (If the owner pays the bill, there has to be a site-specific services agreement; if tenants pay it, the owner has to provide them with at least thirty days notice before work on the project begins, including a description of the work being done and the expected benefits of the conservation measures.)

Utilities must prioritize these investments to reduce the energy burden of low-income customers, vulnerable populations, and customers in highly impacted communities while meeting their comfort and productivity needs. The bill also expands the authority of private electric utilities to provide discounts for low income customers, allowing them to create discounts to reduce the energy burden of communities that experience a disproportionate cumulative risk from environmental burdens due to adverse socioeconomic factors and sensitivity factors, such as low birth weight and higher rates of hospitalization; and to ensure that the benefits of the transition to clean energy are equitably distributed.