Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) - Washington State Department of Commerce

Second Phase of Rules Adopted

Dec. 29, 2020

Commerce formally adopted the second phase of its CETA rules on Dec. 29 to ensure the proper implementation and enforcement of the statute (Chapter 19.405 RCW). The rules were required to be submitted by Dec. 31. The rules go into effect on Jan. 29, 2021. 

There were no substantive changes from the proposed rules published in October. Minor changes include: 

• Corrected an error in the definition of “CEIP”
• Clarified reporting of resources subject to WAC 194-40-340
• Clarified reporting by utilities using incremental cost compliance approach
• Clarified the requirement to retire renewable energy credits to verify claims of renewable energy use.

Commerce made these changes in response to comments received, to ensure clarity, consistency, and understanding by regulated entities, and to meet the intent of the statute. 

The proposed rules and supporting documents are posted below. The combined document includes the adopted rules, the notice of adoption (CR-103), and the concise explanatory statement summarizing stakeholder comments and agency responses. 

Commerce has greatly appreciated stakeholder involvement throughout the rulemaking process. We look forward to continuing our work together in 2021 implementing these rules, considering potential additional rules, and considering the input of the carbon and electricity markets workgroup. 

• Phase 2 Rulemaking Order (PDF)

2021 Rulemaking Activities

Schedule TBD

Commerce will continue its CETA rulemaking 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.

• Past workshop materials (PDF)