Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

     (1) "Cogeneration" means the sequential generation of two or more forms of energy from a common fuel or energy source. If these forms are electricity and thermal energy, then the operating and efficiency standards established by 18 C.F.R. Sec. 292.205 and the definitions established by 18 C.F.R. Sec. 292.202 (c) through (m) apply.

     (2) "Conservation" means reduced energy consumption or energy cost, or increased efficiency in the use of energy, and activities, measures, or equipment designed to achieve such results, but does not include thermal or electric energy production from cogeneration. "Conservation" also means reductions in the use or cost of water, wastewater, or solid waste.

     (3) "Cost-effective" means that the present value to a state agency or school district of the energy reasonably expected to be saved or produced by a facility, activity, measure, or piece of equipment over its useful life, including any compensation received from a utility or the Bonneville power administration, is greater than the net present value of the costs of implementing, maintaining, and operating such facility, activity, measure, or piece of equipment over its useful life, when discounted at the cost of public borrowing.

     (4) "Energy" means energy as defined in RCW 43.21F.025(1).

     (5) "Energy audit" has the definition provided in RCW 43.19.670, and may include a determination of the water or solid waste consumption characteristics of a facility.

     (6) "Energy efficiency project" means a conservation or cogeneration project.

     (7) "Energy efficiency services" means assistance furnished by the department to state agencies and school districts in identifying, evaluating, and implementing energy efficiency projects.

     (8) "Department" means the state department of general administration.

     (9) "Performance-based contracting" means contracts for which payment is conditional on achieving contractually specified energy savings.

     (10) "Public agency" means every state office, officer, board, commission, committee, bureau, department, and all political subdivisions of the state.

     (11) "Public facility" means a building or structure, or a group of buildings or structures at a single site, owned by a state agency or school district.

     (12) "State agency" means every state office or department, whether elective or appointive, state institutions of higher education, and all boards, commissions, or divisions of state government, however designated.

     (13) "State facility" means a building or structure, or a group of buildings or structures at a single site, owned by a state agency.

     (14) "Utility" means privately or publicly owned electric and gas utilities, electric cooperatives and mutuals, whether located within or without Washington state.

     (15) "Local utility" means the utility or utilities in whose service territory a public facility is located.

[2007 c 39 § 4; 2001 c 214 § 20; 1996 c 186 § 405; 1991 c 201 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- Effective date -- 2001 c 214: See notes following RCW 80.50.010.

     Findings -- 2001 c 214: See note following RCW 39.35.010.

     Findings -- Intent -- Part headings not law -- Effective date -- 1996 c 186: See notes following RCW 43.330.904.