| Implementing Sector | State |
|---|---|
| Category | Regulatory Policy |
| State | Washington |
| Incentive Type | Mandatory Utility Green Power Option |
| Web Site | http://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/utilities/energy/Pages/greenPowerProgramsInWA.aspx |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies | Geothermal Electric, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Biomass, Hydroelectric, Landfill Gas, Tidal, Wave, Wind (Small), Anaerobic Digestion |
| Applicable Sectors | Investor-Owned Utility, Cooperative Utilities |
In May 2001, Washington passed EHB 2247, a law mandating that electric utilities with over 25,000 customers must provide an option for customers to buy renewable energy. This includes sources like wind, solar, geothermal, landfill gas, wave or tidal energy, wastewater treatment gas, select biomass resources, and fish-friendly “qualified hydropower.”
Starting January 1, 2002, electric utilities are required to notify customers quarterly about the choice to purchase green power. The state must approve each utility’s green power program, and utilities are obligated to submit annual reports from October 1, 2002, through October 1, 2012. The state will compile these reports into a yearly summary for the legislature.
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) monitors the green power programs of the state’s investor-owned utilities. For specifics on a particular utility’s green power program, customers should contact the utility directly.
