The bill amends Washington state law to enhance the role of biomass energy in meeting renewable resource requirements under the Energy Independence Act. It updates the definition of "qualified biomass energy" to ensure that it must be sourced from facilities located in the Pacific Northwest and modifies the criteria for eligible renewable resources. The legislation introduces provisions for calculating incremental electricity produced from capital investments in biomass facilities, thereby supporting the state's renewable energy goals. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of qualifying utilities in pursuing cost-effective conservation and renewable energy targets, establishing specific annual targets for renewable resource usage and detailing how utilities can count distributed generation and excess conservation savings towards these targets.

Moreover, the bill specifies that utilities can count acquisitions of eligible renewable resources or renewable energy credits at a rate of one and two-tenths times their base value if sourced from facilities that began operations after December 31, 2005, and utilized approved apprenticeship programs. Starting January 1, 2016, only utilities that own or are directly interconnected to qualified biomass energy facilities can use biomass energy for compliance. The bill also introduces compliance measures for unforeseen events affecting renewable energy goals and mandates that by January 1, 2030, utilities must meet 100% of their average annual retail electric load with renewable resources and nonemitting electric generation. It clarifies that voluntary renewable energy purchases do not count towards annual targets and sets a timeline for newer qualifying utilities to meet established requirements.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.285.030, 19.285.040