WA UTC invites comments on Energy Independence Act

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission opened a rulemaking to revise its rules related to the Energy Independence Act, required by Washington’s 2019 energy legislation, and invites public comment.

Senate Bill 5116, passed during the 2019 legislative session, amended portions of the EIA to require utilities to source 100% of their electricity from renewable or non-carbon-emitting resources, update resource definitions, and update renewable energy credit eligibility. The 2019 law also requires the commission to streamline its rules with the requirements of the new legislation as well as add low-income and equity language to ensure all customers are benefiting from the new legislation.

On October 4, the Commission filed with the Office of the Code Reviser draft rules with proposed changes and requested input on streamlining rules, incorporating low-income and equity concerns, and the treatment of renewable energy credits.

The public and stakeholders are invited to comment on the proposals.

Written public comments must be submitted by 5 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 4. Public comments can be submitted here.

Stakeholders who wish to receive meeting notices and other information may sign up to follow this rulemaking (Docket U-190652) by contacting the Records Center to be added to the service list via email at records@utc.wa.gov or by calling 360-664-1234.

For more information, visit www.utc.wa.gov/CETA.

Sign up for 2019 clean energy implementation email updates here.