h_tra_2017a_2017-02-16t10:46:51z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/16/2017

Location: HCR 0112

10:46 AM -- HB 17-1116



Representatives Hamner and Exum introduced House Bill 17-1116. The bill indefinitely extends authorization for up to $13 million of Tier 2 Severance Tax Operational Fund moneys for low-income energy assistance programs. Under current law, funding for these programs expires after FY 2018-19. The programs provide:



• direct energy bill assistance to low-income households through programs administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Energy Outreach Colorado nonprofit; and

• energy-efficiency improvements for low-income homeowners through a program administered by the Colorado Energy Office.



Representative Exum shared a personal story about the impact of this type of assistance for persons on fixed income.



10:54 AM -- Mr. Skip Arnold, representing Energy Outreach Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



11:01 AM -- Mr. Dan Haley, representing the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, testified in support of the bill.



11:05 AM -- Ms. Sophia Guerrero-Murphy, representing Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



11:08 AM -- Mr. Bill Levis, representing AARP, testified in support of the bill.



11:10 AM -- Mr. Troy Whitmore, representing United Power and the Colorado Rural Electric Association, testified in support of the bill.



11:14 AM -- Ms. Phyllis Albritton, representing the Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.



11:19 AM -- Mr. Joseph Pereira, representing the Colorado Energy Office, came to the table to answer committee questions.



11:28 AM



Representative Becker distributed amendment L.002 (Attachment A) to the committee.



170216 AttachA.pdf

11:30 AM



Representatives Hamner and Exum gave some closing comments on the bill.

11:45 AM



The committee adjourned.