Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA)

On May 7, 2019, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) (E2SSB 5116, 2019), which commits Washington to an electricity supply free of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Clean electricity will allow the state to replace fossil fuels in other end uses, especially transportation, and achieve its long-term climate goals.

The Washington Department of Commerce is a key leader in implementing this law. Working with utilities, other state agencies and multiple stakeholders, Commerce will develop rules, reporting procedures and regular assessments to ensure success.

How to Participate

Commerce will work with stakeholders through informal workshops and formal rulemaking processes. To hear about meetings and comment opportunities, please sign up for email notices.

Stakeholders may also comment in writing on the scope and priorities of the rulemaking. Written comments should be submitted by email to ceta@commerce.wa.gov.

Rulemaking Activities

Upcoming workshops and comment deadlines

First discussion draft CETA rules are available

Commerce’s first discussion draft of CETA rules are available here. The draft is also available in a .docx version. Stakeholders will have opportunities to discuss and comment on these rules at upcoming workshops. Written comments will be due in mid-June. 

Comments requested by June 8 on draft incremental cost rule

Commerce is requesting written comments on the draft incremental cost rule for the Clean Energy Transformation Act. This rule (WAC 194-40-230) is included in the 1st discussion draft published April 28. Written comments will be used to identify priority topics for the June 16 workshop on this rule section. The workshop will be conducted jointly with the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Please submit comments by email to ceta@commerce.wa.gov.

Comments requested by June 15 on planning and compliance draft rules

 Commerce is requesting comments on planning and compliance draft rule language. Please submit comments in Word document format. Comments may be submitted to ceta@commerce.wa.gov. 

Joint Commerce-UTC workshop on incremental cost cap
June 16, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Virtual-only Workshop

Commerce and the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) are holding a joint incremental cost cap workshop on June 16. Details will be provided prior to the workshop.

TBD
June 24, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Workshop

Commerce is holding a workshop on June 24. Details will be provided prior to the workshop.

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: CETA135!
  • Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code: 288 553 741

TBD
July 2, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Workshop

Commerce is hosting a workshop on July 2. Details will be provided prior to the workshop.

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: CETA135!
  • Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code: 285 614 504

TBD
July 14, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Workshop

Commerce is holding a workshop on July 14. Details will be provided prior to the workshop.

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: CETA135!
  • Joined by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code: 282 691 283

Streamlining EIA and CETA implementation workshop
Sept. 2, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Workshop

Commerce is hosting a workshop on Sept. 2 to discuss streamlining EIA and CETA implementation. Details will be provided prior to the workshop.

Past workshop materials

Materials from past meetings can be found by clicking  on the PDF link below:
 

CETA Data Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Activities

Commerce has convened a TAG to provide leadership and guidance to Commerce for the development of best practices and resources to implement data collection under RCW 19.405.120(3). 

The TAG consists of at least one representative from the following groups:

  • Commerce 
  • Utilities and Transportation Commission
  • Investor owned utility
  • Rural electric cooperative
  • Municipal utility
  • Community action program
  • Low-income ratepayer advocate
  • Environmental advocate

Persons representing each group have volunteered to be part of the TAG. The list of TAG members can be found here. 

Please see the Data TAG scope of work document for more information about the TAG. 

Upcoming meetings and workshops

Topics for upcoming meetings are subject to change based on the needs of the Data TAG. 

Kickoff meeting
May 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Virtual-only meeting

Commerce held the Data TAG kickoff meeting on May 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Material materials are posted below.

Database design possibilities
June 5, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Virtual-only meeting

Commerce held a discussion are database design possibilities on June 5. Meeting materials are posted below. 

Utility data, timelines, forms, and manner of reporting
July 17, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Virtual-only meeting

Commerce will be holding a conversation about utility data, timelines, forms, and manner of reporting on July 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually on Webex. Meeting materials will be posted prior to the meeting. 

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: Data135!
  • Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code:285 591 896

Commerce data dictionary
August 10, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Virtual-only meeting

Commerce will be holding a discussion about Commerce’s data collection activities under 19.405.120(3). The discussion will occur on August 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be held virtually on Webex. Meeting materials will be posted ahead of the meeting. 

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: Data135!
  • Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code: 287 034 367

Commerce database design
September 9, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Virtual-only meeting

This workshop will focus on the design and functionality of Commerce’s database. The meeting will happen on September 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted on Webex. Meeting materials will be posted prior to the meeting. 

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: Data135!
  • Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code: 288 111 046

Utility data and Commerce database design beyond 2020
October 8, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Virtual-only meeting

This workshop will look at opportunities to develop utility data and Commerce’s database design beyond 2020. This meeting will be held virtually on Webex on October 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Meeting materials will be posted before the meeting. 

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: Data135!
  • Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code: 288 502 119

TBD
November 6, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Virtual-only meeting

Commerce will be holding a Data TAG meeting on November 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually on Webex. Meeting materials will be posted prior to the workshop.

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: Data135!
  • Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code: 286 949 927

Database demonstration
December 3, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Virtual-only meeting

This will be the Data TAG’s final meeting of the year. It will be held virtually on Webex on December 3 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Meeting materials will be posted prior to the workshop. 

  • Webex (link)
  • Password: Data135!
  • Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001
  • Access code: 287 495 765

Resources

Additional Resources

More about CETA

Need Help?

Glenn Blackmon, Ph.D.
Manager, Energy Policy Office
ceta@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-339-5619

Sarah Vorpahl, Ph.D.
Sr. Energy Policy Specialist
ceta@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-688-6000

Austin Scharff, MSc
Rules and Legislative Coordinator
ceta@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-764-9632

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