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 "thermal energy networks," which are required to avoid combustion for energy generation, except in emergencies. The bill outlines criteria for exemptions from commission regulation for thermal energy companies operational or under development before July 1, 2025, and specifies conditions for opting into regulation. It also clarifies the definitions of thermal energy services and systems, emphasizing their role in heating and cooling without electricity generation.

Additionally, the legislation expands the regulatory framework for thermal energy companies, aligning them with existing utility regulations for gas, electrical, and water companies. It mandates that these companies file rate schedules with the commission, conduct outreach to low-income customers, and ensure just and reasonable service charges. The bill empowers the commission to oversee thermal energy resources, direct necessary repairs, and monitor the development of interoperability standards for thermal energy networks. It also includes provisions for inspecting thermal energy meters and allows utilities to take civil action against service tampering. Overall, the bill aims to promote energy conservation and consumer protections while facilitating the growth of thermal energy services.

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
Bill as Passed Legislature: 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