Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission finalizes plan for implementation of 100 percent clean electricity law

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission said Tuesday that it finalized its work plan to implement Washington’s new 100 percent clean electricity law.

The plan outlines the commission’s schedule and process for 19 rulemakings, workgroups, reports, and other proceedings required by the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) and other clean energy legislation passed in the 2019 legislative session.

CETA, which Gov. Jay Inslee signed in May, requires, among other things, Washington’s electric utilities to transition to 100 percent clean power by 2045.

“We are committed to carrying out the requirements of CETA and reaching the goal of 100 percent clean energy in Washington,” UTC Chair David Danner said. “It’s complicated but absolutely achievable. Now we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.”

The bill directs electric utilities to eliminate coal power from rates by 2025 and to provide offsets after 2030 for any carbon emissions from power generation sources.

Washington’s investor-owned utilities are also required to develop and implement plans to distribute more electricity from renewable or non-carbon-emitting resources. The UTC will review utility companies’ plans to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

The UTC held a stakeholder workshop on July 30 to receive public comments on its proposed draft implementation plan. The commission’s final plan incorporates changes suggested by the public at the workshop. The UTC said it would continue to seek public input throughout the implementation of CETA and related legislation over the next three years.