Mandatory Utility Green Power Option

August 27, 2021

Summary

In May 2001, Washington enacted legislation (EHB 2247) that requires all electric utilities serving more than 25,000 customers to offer customers the option of purchasing renewable energy. Eligible renewables include wind, solar, geothermal, landfill gas, wave or tidal action, wastewater treatment gas, certain biomass resources, and "qualified hydropower" that is fish-friendly.

Beginning January 1, 2002, each electric utility must inform its customers on a quarterly basis of the voluntary option to purchase green power. The details of each utility's program must be approved by the state, and annual reports must be submitted from October 1, 2002, to October 1, 2012. A report summarizing the utilities' reports will be provided each year to the legislature.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) oversees programs developed by the state's investor-owned utilities. For information on a green power program offered by a specific utility, contact the utility directly.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Washington
Incentive Type:	Mandatory Utility Green Power Option
Web Site:	http://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/utilities/energy/Pages/greenPowerProgramsInWA.aspx
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Geothermal Electric Solar Thermal Electric Solar Photovoltaics Wind (All) Biomass Hydroelectric Landfill Gas Tidal Wave Wind (Small) Anaerobic Digestion

Authorities

Name:

RCW 19.29A.090

Contact

Name:	Austin Scharff
Organization:	WA State Department of Commerce
Address:	WA
Phone:	(360) 764-9632
Email:	energydata@commerce.wa.gov

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.