Clean Energy Transformation Act
On May 7, 2019, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) (SB 5116, 2019), which commits Washington to an electricity supply free of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Clean electricity will allow Washington residents and businesses to power their buildings and homes, vehicles, and appliances with carbon free resources, such as wind and solar. Reductions in fossil fuel use will improve the health of communities, grow the economy, create family-sustaining jobs, and enable the state to achieve its long-term climate goals.
The law provides safeguards to maintain affordable rates and reliable service. It also requires an equitable distribution of the benefits from the transition to clean energy for all utility customers and adds and expands energy assistance programs for low-income customers. 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.
CETA Overview
A summary of the Washington’s nation-leading 100% clean electricity law, and links to relevant statutes, rules, and rulemaking documents.
Energy Assistance
Electric utilities must make energy assistance programs and funding available to low-income households and submit assessments to Commerce to inform a biennial report on energy assistance programs and funding levels.
Clean Energy Implementation Plans
Clean energy implementation plans (CEIPs) are four-year planning documents to meet the clean energy and equity requirements of CETA. Commerce collects CEIPs from consumer-owned utilities, and the State Auditor audits them for compliance with the law. The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) collects and reviews CEIPs for investor-owned utilities.
Resource Adequacy
Commerce in partnership with the UTC holds annual meetings with utilities, regional planning organizations, and other interested parties to discuss resource adequacy.
State Energy Strategy
The comprehensive roadmap to meeting Washington’s state greenhouse gas emission reduction limits while continuing to maintain and grow its economy.
Contact
Please email CETA@Commerce.wa.gov for additional assistance or contact one of our Energy Policy specialists.
Glenn Blackmon, Ph.D.
Manager, Energy Policy Office
Phone: 360-339-5619
Austin Scharff
Energy Policy Specialist
Phone: 360-764-9632