The Washington Legislature requires electric utilities to make low-income energy assistance programs and funding available for low-income households under RCW 19.405.120. Here you can find state policies and related reports on utility low-income energy assistance programs and the Legislature’s request for a design recommendation for a statewide monthly low-income energy bill assistance program.
If you’re looking for low-income energy assistance, contact your utility for local program offerings and visit the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) page to learn how to determine your eligibility and apply for the program through community action agencies and local partners.
Sec. 120 reporting
RCW 19.405.120, Section 120 requires utilities to make programs and funding available for energy assistance.
Commerce is required to submit a biennial report to the Legislature that includes:
- A statewide overview of energy assistance programs, energy costs and the need for energy assistance.
- A breakdown of current spending on energy assistance for low-income households.
- An evaluation of the best ways to provide energy assistance, including customer rates, discounts for low-income households, system benefits charges, and public and private funding.
- A review of methods to focus energy assistance on low-income households with higher energy costs.
Tentative Sec. 120 workshop series schedule
Commerce is currently conducting a public workshop series and public comment period to complete its Sec. 120 legislative report ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Commerce canceled an August 13 workshop and extended a public comment opportunity about Sec. 120 in response to utility requests to push back this work back as they juggle competing wildfire demands. The new public comment deadline for the first workshop is close of business on Friday, August 21.
Commerce will announce an October workshop at the September workshop to ensure sufficient time for discussion and public comment.
- Watch the July 15 public workshop kickoff recording
- Watch the July 23 first public workshop recording
- Attend the public workshop on September 10
- Meeting ID: 257 606 776 544 586
- Passcode: sC98oi3S
- Dial-in: +1 564-999-2000
- Phone Conference ID: 999 661 415#