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
Commerce Hosts National Training Conference
It’s not every day that Commerce gets to co-sponsor a national training conference, but we did this past week from Sept. 17 – 21. Bellevue, Washington was the site of the NASCSP (National Association for State Community Services Programs) annual training conference. States across the country sent program managers and staff of their Weatherization Assistance Program and Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) to an action-packed week of training, updates
Snohomish PUD Groundbreaking for Arlington Microgrid
Bob Kirchmeier and others helped move the first dirt at the Snohomish PUD’s groundbreaking for the Arlington Microgrid and Clean Energy Technology Center Project. This is a Clean Energy Fund project which represents a new technology and approach offering grid resiliency and renewable energy integration. The project will include a 500-kilowatt solar array with smart inverters, a 1,000 kW/1,000 kWh lithium-ion battery storage system and several vehicle-to-grid charging stations for use
New Staff in the Energy Division
The State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) program is moving forward with the hiring of Hanna Waterstrat as Assistant Director of the program. Hanna has been the Staff Services Manager at the Department of Ecology for the last four years, where she led agency participation with the SEEP Executive Order and provided guidance on environmental performance, including oversight of greenhouse gas reporting for Ecology operations statewide. Hanna was sometimes referred
What’s happening in the Energy Division for September 2018?
The Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Grants pre-application period is closed. Due to the large volume of applications, there will be a delay in notifications for Phase Two. The full application period will be delayed. Updates will be posted on the webpage. The Grid Modernization Program will be accepting concept applications starting Sept.17. A bidders conference call will be Sept. 19. You must submit an application to be considered for
Orcas Power and Light Microgrid and Solar Array
This 504 kW community solar array has been installed in the San Juan Islands on Decatur Island and co-located with a recently modernized substation where the primary submarine cables from the mainland terminate. With assistance from a Clean Energy Fund grant, Orcas Power and Light Cooperative (OPALCO) will be procuring additional services and assets to be located at the Decatur Island Substation. It will include a 500 kW/2.0 MWh energy storage
Notice of Funding Opportunity—CEF3 Solar Program
We will open the Solar Deployment Program grant application period next week. It will be open to Washington-based entities developing solar generating projects. The program has $1,552,000 in state funds and $2,328,000 from U.S. Department of Energy American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, which will be competitively awarded. Priorities will be given to: Distribution side projects Projects capable of generating at least 500 kilowatts of direct current generating capacity applicants
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