The Washington State Energy Office provides technical, analytical and policy support to the state on federal and regional energy policies and legislation. In addition, we manage federal and state energy grant programs. Staff review key energy issues and coordinate energy-related emergency response and preparedness for Washington state.
Our state is working to reduce carbon pollution by making its energy systems cleaner and more efficient. Our staff studies carbon reduction impacts of policies and programs. The work includes support for greenhouse gas reduction policy work and cooperative agreements to limit carbon pollution.
State Energy Office News
New Staff in the Energy Division
Brooke Harris is our new Housing Improvements and Preservation Innovation and Program Development Manager. She has more than 20 years’ experience administering housing rehabilitation programs for local governments. Brooke developed a housing program for the city of San Ramon, California that won national recognition as a best practice model and a state award for promoting social equity and environmental justice. Brooke contracted with Neighborhood Works as a reviewer evaluating and
Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants Funding
The Energy Division’s, Energy Contracts and Programs (ECAP) Unit anticipates opening the Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants application period by the end of August. The application period will be open for a minimum of six weeks. A bidder’s conference will be announced and held as a webinar. As we receive questions, we will publish and update a Frequently Asked Questions document. For more information on the grants, please visit: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/energy-efficiency-and-solar-grants/
Notice of Funding Opportunity—RD&D Program
Commerce has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligible Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) projects under the Clean Energy Fund program. Applicant’s must be Washington-based entities seeking funds for clean energy projects. Initial applications are due on Aug. 31, 2018. All documents can be found on the Energy RD&D webpage at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/clean-energy-fund/energy-rdd-clean-energy-fund/
Geographic Eligibility of Renewable Resources under the Washington Renewable Portfolio Standard
By Glenn Blackmon, Ph.D. Washington’s Energy Independence Act (EIA) requires that electric utilities over a certain size use renewable resources for a portion of the energy that they deliver to their retail customers. The EIA provides flexibility to utilities in the renewable resources that they can use to meet this requirement. However, like every other state renewable portfolio standard (RPS), the EIA also includes limitations on eligibility. Not just any
Notice of Funding Opportunity for Clean Energy Fund RD&D Grants
The State Energy Office is accepting grant applications for the Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Program from Washington-based entities seeking funds for clean energy projects. Application period ends on Aug. 31, 2018. This program is part of the Clean Energy Fund 3 (CEF 3) and appears in Section 1013 of Substitute Senate Bill 6090 of the Capital Budget. In this program, $7,614,500 will be competitively awarded. Commerce consulted and coordinated
The Use of Electricity and Biofuels to Fuel Local Government Vehicles
Commerce likes to take a collaborative approach to strengthening communities. The new rule regarding alternative fuel types in government vehicles is one such example, where we don’t have the authority or resources to enforce the rule. Using outreach and education, we’re asking local governments to self-report their vehicle purchases according to RCW 43.19.648. The law, amended in 2013, requires local governments to fuel publicly owned vehicles, vessels and construction equipment
Electric Utility Resources
Resources
- State Energy Office Overview
- Energy Emergencies
- PCC Benchmarking Policy Plan 2018 (DOC)
- 2017 Biennial Energy Report (PDF)
- Renewable Natural Gas Roadmap for WA State (PDF)
- Transportation and Fuels
- Electric Transportation in WA
- Solar SEEDS 2 Program
- US DOE Quadrennial Review (website)
- US DOE Quadrennial Technology Review (PDF)
- DSIRE Incentive Database (website)
- Power and Conservation Council (website)
- State Energy Program National Evaluation
Carbon Policy Resources
- Carbon Tax Assessment Model (CTAM)
- EPA Clean Power Plan
- Exec Order 14-04, WA Carbon Pollution Reduction and Clean Energy Action (PDF)
- Exec Order 17-02 Autonomous Vehicle testing and Technology in WA State (PDF)
- Exec Order 18-01, State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (PDF)
- Electric Drive Washington
Need help?
Michael Furze, Assistant Director
Michael.furze@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-2950