The GHG Emissions Reduction Program is a grant program supported through Commerce’s Clean Energy Fund (CEF3) OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking proposals for the new Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Program. The Washington State Legislature created the GHG Reduction grant program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect or create aluminum manufacturing jobs in Whatcom County. GHG program-funded projects must provide a public benefit…
On May 21, Governor Inslee signed the Operating Budget Bill ESHB 1109, the Capital Budget SHB 1102 and the Transportation Budget ESHB 1160. These bills provide funding for work in the Energy Division, including the following: Appliance Efficiency Standards Clean Energy Economy Clean Energy Fund Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants Energy Efficiency Green Transportation Net Metering Rural Rehabilitation Loan Program State Efficiency and Environmental Performance Program Weatherization Weatherization Plus Health…
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.…
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…
Competitive process identifies 39 proposed projects at school district, higher education, local and state government facilities that will reduce operational costs and CO2 emissions. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $8.7 million in grants to local governments, schools and state agencies for 39 proposed projects all over the state that will increase energy efficiency and solar energy use and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. “Because…
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 –…
One Energy Development, Peninsula Light Company and TUUSSO Energy win latest round of state Clean Energy Fund grants targeting expansion of solar energy around the state OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) today announced over $1.6 million in grants from the state’s Clean Energy Fund to three projects that will advance the development of solar energy in Washington. “Since 2013, state Clean Energy Fund investments have…