SB 0631 - Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note - SB 0631 - PSC May Approve Heating Energy Prog. For Low Income Persons

L.R. NO.  2537-01
BILL NO.  SB 631
SUBJECT:  Public Service Commission
TYPE:     Original
DATE:     January 4, 1996



                              FISCAL SUMMARY

                    ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON STATE FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED                 FY 1997         FY 1998        FY 1999

None


Total Estimated
Net Effect on All
State Funds                        $0              $0             $0

                   ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON FEDERAL FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED                 FY 1997         FY 1998        FY 1999

None


Total Estimated
Net Effect on All
Federal Funds                      $0              $0             $0


                    ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON LOCAL FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED                 FY 1997         FY 1998        FY 1999

Local Government                   $0              $0             $0


                              FISCAL ANALYSIS

ASSUMPTION

Officials from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) state that depending
on the magnitude of services requested by Public Service Commission (PSC) or
public utility to be performed by DNR, DNR may not have the ability to
support this program with existing personnel and resources.  There are
administrative costs associated with implementing the Low-Income
Weatherization Assistance Program (LIWAP) and until a program is proposed,
DNR is unable to provide an informed estimate of any associated costs.  DNR
assumes the utility proposing the heating energy program would be the funding
source.  DNR currently operates the federally supported LIWAP and has been
involved in a utility-funded weatherization project, and stated that these
service delivery systems which are already in place could be utilized.

Oversight assumes that additional staffing will not be required upon passage
of this proposal as it is currently written.

Officials from the Department of Economic Development-Public Service
Commission and Public Counsel assume the proposed legislation would have no
fiscal impact on their agencies.

Officials from the Department of Social Services did not respond to our
fiscal impact request.



FISCAL IMPACT - State Government     FY 1997     FY 1998     FY 1999
                                    (10 Mo.)

                                           0           0           0


FISCAL IMPACT  - Local Government    FY 1997     FY 1998     FY 1999
                                    (10 Mo.)

                                           0           0           0


DESCRIPTION

The proposed legislation would authorize the Public Service Commission to
approve heating energy programs and rates for low income public utility
customers.  Such programs could be proposed by any public utility, rural
electric cooperative or joint municipal utility commission.  All state
agencies would be required to cooperate with the public utility, rural
electric cooperative or joint municipal utility commission proposing the
program in the execution of such programs.

This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other
program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental
space.


SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Economic Development-Public Service Commission
Department of Economic Development-Public Counsel
Department of Natural Resources

NOT RESPONDING:  Department of Social Services