The bill aims to enhance the development of distributed energy resources in Washington State, in line with the clean energy transformation act. It focuses on promoting local energy projects, such as small-scale wind and solar developments, particularly on previously disturbed and agricultural lands. Key provisions include the establishment of categories for clean energy facilities that qualify as distributed energy priorities, and the introduction of categorical exemptions from certain regulatory requirements for small solar installations that meet specific criteria. The bill also amends definitions related to open space and agricultural land to support the integration of agrivoltaic facilities, which allow for simultaneous agricultural production and solar energy generation.
Additionally, the bill updates compliance requirements for qualifying utilities regarding renewable energy targets, allowing them to count distributed generation at four times the facility's electrical output under certain conditions. It introduces a new subsection that permits utilities to exclude voluntary renewable energy purchases from their annual targets and establishes definitions for terms relevant to the bill, such as "accelerated conservation" and "demand response." The legislation ensures that utilities qualifying after December 31, 2006, adhere to the same requirements as those qualifying earlier, while emphasizing the importance of measurement and verification protocols for demand response resources. Overall, the bill seeks to promote agricultural conservation and renewable energy initiatives while providing clear guidelines for land classification and utility compliance.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 19.285.040
Substitute Bill: 19.285.040
Engrossed Substitute: 84.34.020, 84.34.070, 19.285.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 84.34.020, 84.34.070, 19.285.040
Session Law: 84.34.020, 84.34.070, 19.285.040