The bill seeks to enhance the deployment of low carbon thermal energy networks in Washington State by amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to include new definitions and regulations for thermal energy companies. Key insertions include the definition of "thermal energy company" and the establishment of a "thermal energy network" that is not reliant on combustion for energy generation, except in emergencies. The bill exempts thermal energy companies operating before July 1, 2025, from commission regulation unless they choose to opt-in, as well as those with fewer than five independent customers and less than 250 residential end users. It also clarifies that combined heat and power facilities are exempt unless they opt-in for regulation.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the regulation of thermal energy companies with systems under development, allowing them to avoid commission regulation if they notify the commission of their operational plans. It expands existing regulatory frameworks to include thermal energy companies alongside gas, electrical, wastewater, and water companies, requiring them to file rate schedules and conduct outreach to low-income customers. The bill also empowers the commission to address thermal energy system imbalances, inspect thermal energy meters, and enforce compliance with service quality standards. Overall, the legislation aims to promote the growth of thermal energy networks while ensuring consumer protections and energy conservation efforts.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 80.04.010, 80.04.550, 80.28.005, 80.28.010, 80.28.020, 80.28.030, 80.28.040, 80.28.050, 80.28.060, 80.28.065, 80.28.068, 80.28.370, 80.28.075, 80.28.080, 80.28.090, 80.28.100, 80.28.120, 80.28.130, 80.28.160, 80.28.170, 80.28.240, 80.28.430, 19.280.030
Substitute Bill: 80.04.010, 80.04.550, 80.28.005, 80.28.010, 80.28.020, 80.28.030, 80.28.040, 80.28.050, 80.28.060, 80.28.065, 80.28.068, 80.28.370, 80.28.075, 80.28.080, 80.28.090, 80.28.100, 80.28.120, 80.28.130, 80.28.160, 80.28.170, 80.28.240, 80.28.430, 19.280.030
Second Substitute: 80.04.010, 80.04.550, 80.28.005, 80.28.010, 80.28.020, 80.28.030, 80.28.040, 80.28.050, 80.28.060, 80.28.065, 80.28.068, 80.28.370, 80.28.075, 80.28.080, 80.28.090, 80.28.100, 80.28.120, 80.28.130, 80.28.160, 80.28.170, 80.28.240, 80.28.430