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Minutes for SB347 - Committee on Utilities
Short Title
Utilities and demand-side programs.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 7, 2018
Chairman Olson resumed the Hearing for Opponents of SB 347 - Utilities and demand-side programs.
He called for testimony in opposition to the bill.
Opponent Phil Wages adamantly stated his opposition because the bill permits and encourages unbridled spending of Kansas consumer dollars, would result in higher electric rates, would allow a flawed set of efficiency metrics and will remove KCC's discretion to disallow uneconomic investments. (Attachment 1)
Opponent Chuck Caisley claimed that the bill rolls back much of the progress made four years ago that established a fair framework in which utilities can offer energy efficiency and demand-side management for customers. (Attachment 2)
Opponent Jeff McClanahan asserted that the bill mandates goals regardless of whether cost effective programs can be developed and it would require the use of a benefit-cost manual that conflicts with KCC policy. (Attachment 3)
Opponent Jeff Martin related his opposition by saying that there are more appropriate ways to ensure wise use of energy than the parameters set forth in the bill.
Opponent Whitney Damron stated two concerns. The bill does not have an end date and it allows for a third-party to to independently administer energy efficiency programs. (Attachment 5)
Opponent Paul Snider expressed that the bill unnecessarily restricts the rate making authority of the KCC and provides unneeded goals for public utilities. (Attachment 6)
Opponent Janet Buchanan stated concerns that the bill provides a very weak energy savings mandate for utilities and prevents a utility from developing more innovative and productive programs.
Opponent Jeff Glendenning espoused opposition to the bill that he said would impose an expensive new mandate that supposes that the government, not individuals, know better how to use their resources. (Attachment 8)
Opponent Steven Cowen objected to the bill because it deletes statute which prohibits incentivizing fuel switching, sets unrealistic 2019 goals, allows third-party program administration and would require utilities to submit an unnecessary energy efficiency plan. (Attachment 9)
Written Only Opponent Testimony:
Aaron Bishop, Atmos Energy (Attachment 10)
Seeing no more testimony Chairman Olson closed the hearing on the bill.
