The bill amends the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act, specifically RCW 19.405.020 and 19.405.030, to clarify definitions and compliance requirements related to coal-fired resources and wholesale power purchases by electric utilities. Notably, it introduces new provisions regarding "unspecified electricity" in the context of coal-fired resources, allowing for limited duration wholesale power purchases that do not exceed three months for unspecified electricity, provided they are used to demonstrate compliance with seasonal resource adequacy requirements. Additionally, the bill specifies that electricity purchased from the Bonneville Power Administration under long-term agreements is exempt from certain compliance requirements, unless the source is known to be from a coal-fired generating unit at the time of the transaction.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that by December 31, 2025, electric utilities must eliminate coal-fired resources from their electricity allocation, with exceptions for decommissioning costs. It also requires the commission to accelerate depreciation schedules for coal-fired resources and allows for the inclusion of prudently incurred undepreciated investments in retired fossil fuel generating resources in electric rates. The bill establishes penalties for utilities that fail to comply with these requirements, reinforcing the state's commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.405.020, 19.405.030
Engrossed Bill: 19.405.020, 19.405.030