Weekly Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) Bulletin- June 8

Source: Washington State Department of Commerce, June 8, 2022

Energy assistance workshops kick off June 22

Commerce has scheduled the first workshop on energy assistance for low-income households, RCW 19.405.120 (Sec. 120). Additional workshops will be scheduled throughout the summer and fall to collect public input.

  • 9 a.m. – Noon Wednesday, June 22, Zoom
    Meeting passcode: Assistance
    Call-in info: +1 253-215-8782
    Meeting ID: 872 6484 8918
    Call-in Passcode: 5562707127

The meeting agenda includes:

  • Review of the statute and subsections (6)(a)(iii) and (6)(b) discussion.
  • Evaluation of the effectiveness of additional optimal mechanisms for energy assistance under Subsection (6)(a)(iii), including, but not limited to:
    • Customer rates
    • A low-income specific discount
    • System benefits charges
    • Public and private funds
  • Assessment of mechanisms to prioritize energy assistance towards low-income households with a higher energy burden under Subsection (6)(b).

Please come prepared to discuss both additional tools for energy assistance and mechanisms to prioritize energy assistance toward low-income households with higher energy burden.

A technical advisory team has been established to provide leadership and guidance in the implementation. This includes providing input on both the data collection, aggregation, and analysis conducted under subsections (3) and (4), and policy evaluation under subsection (6). The work of the technical advisory team will help inform upcoming public workshops.

Commerce intends to submit the first biennial report under subsection (6) to the Legislature by the 2023 legislative session. 

Request for studies and other resources on mechanisms for energy assistance due July 8

In conjunction with the June 22 workshop, Commerce requests interested stakeholders submit studies or other resources discussing mechanisms for energy assistance and mechanisms to prioritize energy assistance toward low-income households with higher energy burden.

Please submit materials to ceta@commerce.wa.gov by July 8. The materials will be posted on Commerce’s Energy Assistance webpage

Reminder: Resource adequacy meeting scheduled June 17; Public comments due June 13

Commerce and the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) will be hosting the second annual electric power resource adequacy meeting on Friday, June 17.

  • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, June 17, Zoom
    Meeting passcode: RA
    Call-in info: +1 253-215-8782
    Meeting ID: 840 7210 2783
    Call-in Passcode: 570744

Survey deadline: June 13

Please complete the Resource adequacy recommendations survey to submit recommendations by June 13, so agencies have time to review comments.

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