The bill amends the Energy Independence Act to enhance the calculation of electric load for utilities, specifically to encourage voluntary investments in renewable energy. It introduces a new definition of "load," which now explicitly excludes kilowatt-hours delivered from eligible renewable resources through voluntary renewable energy purchases, provided that the associated renewable energy credits are retired on behalf of the customer. Additionally, a new definition for "voluntary renewable energy purchase" is established, clarifying how retail electric customers can engage in purchasing eligible renewable resources. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of qualifying utilities to meet annual renewable energy targets, with a gradual increase in the percentage of load sourced from eligible renewable resources.

Further provisions specify that utilities cannot count certain renewable resources or energy credits if they are owned by separate entities or obtained through optional pricing programs. Utilities can earn extra credit for acquiring eligible renewable resources from newly operational facilities that utilized approved apprenticeship programs during construction. Starting January 1, 2016, only utilities interconnected to qualified biomass energy facilities can use biomass energy for compliance, and by January 1, 2030, utilities must source renewable resources and nonemitting electric generation equal to 100% of their average annual retail electric load to be compliant. The bill also mandates that utilities exclude voluntary renewable energy purchases from their annual targets, thereby providing clear guidelines for promoting renewable energy investments in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.285.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 19.285.030
Session Law: 19.285.030