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 introduce new definitions and regulations for thermal energy companies. It defines "thermal energy company" and establishes criteria for exemption from commission regulation for those operating before July 1, 2025. The bill clarifies that thermal energy networks should not rely on combustion for energy generation, except in emergencies, and outlines conditions for companies to opt-in to commission regulation. It also modifies existing definitions to ensure thermal energy services are distinct from electricity generation and sets thresholds for regulation based on customer numbers.

Additionally, the bill expands the regulatory framework for thermal energy companies, aligning them with existing utility regulations for gas, electrical, and water companies. It mandates just and reasonable service charges, budget billing for low-income customers, and prohibits service disconnections during extreme weather alerts. The bill requires thermal energy companies to file rate schedules with the commission and conduct outreach to low-income customers about available assistance programs. It also introduces provisions for meter accuracy inspections, allows for discounted rates for thermal energy networks operated by electrical companies, and emphasizes adherence to interoperability standards. The bill will become null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.

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
Session Law: 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