Washington Regulators Unveil Plan to Fulfill Clean Energy Policy Agenda

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission established a work plan to carry out the requirements of energy legislation passed in the 2019 session, according to an Aug. 27 news release. Legislators passed a sweeping energy policy agenda, including a bill requiring the state’s electricity supply to be carbon-neutral by 2030 and carbon-free by 2045.

The 100 percent clean power bill directs the state’s electric utilities to phase out coal from their generation portfolio by 2025 and provide offsets after 2030 for any carbon emissions from power generation sources. The state’s investor-owned utilities must develop plans to distribute more electricity from renewable or emission-free resources or pay penalties for non-compliance.

The plan outlines the agency’s process and schedule for 19 rulemakings, workgroups, reports, and proceedings required by the clean energy bills. The agency will review utility companies’ plans and ensure compliance with legislative requirements.