The Clean Energy Transition Act (CETA) includes many responsibilities for Commerce. In many cases, the additional work builds on the agency’s role in leading energy policy development and its role in the existing clean energy law, the Energy Independence Act (EIA, also known as I-937). Responsibilities include: Assessing energy burden and energy assistance. Engaging stakeholders on state energy strategy and programs. Establishing reporting requirements for utilities. Adopting cost methodology rules.…
Author Archives: Rachel Lucas
Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Commerce announced over $8.2 million in grants from the state’s Clean Energy Fund to 10 projects that will promote the development of research, development and demonstration of clean energy projects in Washington. “Since 2013, state Clean Energy Fund investments have helped incentivize public and private utilities and their partners to accelerate deployment of renewable energy technologies,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “Advancing the low-carbon economy…
By Glenn Blackmon, Ph.D. The 2019 Legislature adopted some big new energy policies – notably the clean electricity standard and the performance standard for existing commercial buildings – but it also made important changes to Washington’s existing energy laws. These are summarized here, and more information is available by reading the bill reports prepared by legislative staff. Power Source Disclosure (Fuel Mix) Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1428 reforms the fuel…
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives both introduced bills in April to reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The current authorization expired Sept. 30, 2012. H.R. 2041, The Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act has a number of updates that will acknowledge the changing goals and landscape of weatherization. Some of the updates are below: Reauthorizes WAP for up to $350 million for each of…
The Department of Commerce hosted the Solar Plus All Hands Meeting, composed of a group funded by the SEEDS2-SES grant through the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. It aims to build capacity around solar deployments in Washington and Oregon. A broad stakeholder group attended, including environmental justice advocates, utilities, solar installers, community-based organizations and other state agencies. The event included presentations, such as work by the Oregon…
The Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) grant awards will tentatively be announced by May 31. The Grid Modernization Program is awarding grants to four projects. Pending final contract negotiations, the awardees are: Avista Utilities—Eco-district Grid Modernization Project Orcas Power and Light—Lopez Village Adaptive Micro-grid with Hybrid Storage Project Puget Sound Energy— The Smart Capacity Analysis, Learning and Engagement Project Tacoma Power—Liquid Air Energy Storage Project Grants range from $1 –…
It’s always nice to get recognition for our work, especially when it shares our ideas with a broader audience. The Energy Division Low-Income Weatherization Program’s Weatherization Plus Health efforts got a nice dose of coverage this month in a cover article in the March 2019 Healthy Indoors Magazine. The article profiled the innovative partnership between our Pierce County Human Services local weatherization program and the Clean Air for Kids Asthma…
On April 3, Commerce hosted more than 60 attendees, both in person and by webinar and call-in, at an information session for people interested in helping to shape the important upcoming Electrification of Transportation Systems (ETS) Grants Program, supported by the Clean Energy Fund. The ETS program will provide grants to Washington local governments and retail electric utilities for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The program aims to support eligible applicants…
The National Governor’s Association (NGA), along with the Embassy of Canada, Denmark and Australia, hosted a two day summit in Washington D.C., highlighting three emerging technologies: offshore wind, energy storage and carbon capture utilization and storage. The summit examined how innovative activities and policies from each country foster deployment and development for these technologies. Attendees included the Governor of Connecticut, the newly appointed Ambassador of Denmark as well as high…
The Farm’s Ribbon Cutting and Tour is scheduled to be held on April 16. Vashon Bioenergy Farm is a community-scale bioenergy system on Vashon Island. The project, through Impact Bioenergy, was funded under the Clean Energy Fund II for RD&D, Sustainable Energy Trust, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, and great partners on Vashon. For every ton of “waste” that would otherwise have been long-haul exported, the NAUTILUS…