The bill aims to encourage utility investment in local energy resilience by providing an alternative compliance pathway for utilities to meet the renewable resource mandate outlined in the Energy Independence Act. It recognizes the anticipated 30 percent increase in electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest over the next decade due to factors such as high-tech manufacturing and the electrification of buildings and transportation. The legislation emphasizes the importance of utilities as partners in achieving the state's decarbonization goals while ensuring grid reliability and creating job opportunities through local energy resilience projects.

Key amendments to RCW 19.285.040 include the introduction of a new compliance pathway for utilities that cumulatively invest at least two percent of their total annual retail revenue in local energy resilience projects. Additionally, the bill defines "local energy resilience project" to encompass various investments such as community solar generation, battery storage, and grid hardening. The bill also establishes that beginning January 1, 2030, utilities will be considered compliant if they utilize renewable resources and nonemitting electric generation to meet 100 percent of their average annual retail electric load.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.285.040