Clean Energy Transformation Act Bulletin
Don’t forget to visit the CETA rulemaking webpage.
All consumer-owned utilities must complete CEIP template by Jan. 1, 2022
Washington’s public utility districts, municipal electric utilities and electric cooperatives are required to submit a completed clean energy implementation plan (CEIP) template by Jan. 1, 2022. The CEIP requirements are based on statute and explained through the rules established by Commerce last year (WAC 194-40-200).
Several smaller electric utilities have recently asked whether they need to submit this report. They do. Unlike some other electricity laws, such as the integrated resource plan law, the retail disclosure law and the Energy Independence Act, the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) applies to all electric utilities serving retail customers in Washington.
One source of confusion is a provision in the CEIP rule that refers to a simplified reporting template for small utilities (RCW 194-40-200(10)). All utilities use the same template form to submit their CEIP.
The template does have a few simplified provisions for small utilities under the “Targets and Actions” tab. For example, references to integrated resource plans (IRPs) do not apply to small utilities. All other requirements, including those dealing with identifying vulnerable populations and highly impacted communities, must be completed by each consumer-owned utility regardless of size or fuel mix.
Helpful resources
Still have questions? Email our team at ceta@commerce.wa.gov.
All electric utilities must submit Energy Assistance Program Assessment Reports by Feb. 1, 2022
Washington’s investor-owned utilities, public utility districts, municipal electric utilities, and electric cooperatives must report on their energy assistance programs under RCW 19.405.120(4) on energy assistance for low-income households by Feb. 1, 2022. All electric utilities should use the Word document marked "Reporting Template_RCW_19.405.120.4" on the CETA Compliance and Reporting webpage to report energy assistance data. Utilities can use that document to report data for both 2019 and 2020.
Questions about this report can be directed to ceta@commerce.wa.gov
Pacific Northwest National Lab announces the Energy Storage for Social Equity Initiative
An innovative technical assistance and technology deployment program advancing community prosperity, well-being and resilience.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Storage for Social Equity (ES4SE) Initiative offers direct technical assistance to communities affected by unreliable and expensive energy systems and supply. ES4SE is designed to empower disadvantaged urban, rural and Tribal communities to consider energy storage technologies and applications as a viable path toward community prosperity, well-being and resilience. Through this program, eligible communities have access to direct non-financial technical assistance and potential support for new energy storage project development and deployment.
Applications are due by Dec. 3, 2021 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
UTC requests comments on draft CETA rule
As a reminder, the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) published a request for comments on draft rule text to interpret the provisions in CETA that require utilities to “use electricity” that is renewable or non-emitting.
Commerce is not updating its draft rule language (PDF) on this topic at this time. We encourage participants in the rulemaking proceeding to review and submit comments on the UTC draft. We will consider comments submitted in the UTC proceeding and will continue to work closely with the UTC in developing the rule on this topic.
Comments and questions should be submitted directly to the UTC. The Commission will post all comments that are provided in electronic format on its website.
Deadline to submit comments to UTC: 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2021
Questions?
If you are unable to submit documents via the portal, you may submit your comments by email to the Commission’s Records Center at records@utc.wa.gov. The Commission will also accept a paper document via mail.
If you have questions about the process, contact UTC staff lead Steve Johnson, (360) 481-1573.
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