Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Washington utilities and transportation commission (UTC) is directed, under ESHB 1589 (chapter 351, Laws of 2024), to adopt rules to implement consolidated planning requirements for large combination electric and natural gas utilities that allow for integrated system plans that may include existing statutorily required plans. UTC is also directed to adopt by rule a cost test for emissions reduction measures achieved by large combination utilities to comply with state clean energy and climate policies. This rule making may also amend WAC 480-90-238, 480-100-625, 480-100-640, 480-109-020, 480-109-200, and 480-107-009 to clarify which plans are consolidated into the integrated system plan, and therefore do not need to be filed separately.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 19.280.030, 19.280.040, 19.285.040, 19.285.080, 19.405.060, 19.405.100, 80.28.130, 80.01.040, 80.04.160, 80.28.365, 80.28.380, and 80.28.425; chapter 351, Laws of 2024.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules are required to implement ESHB 1589. The rules will provide guidance for large combination utilities in how to consolidate existing plans and goals into an integrated system plan, as provided in ESHB 1589, that may encompass the Energy Independence Act; the Clean Energy Transformation Act; gas company conservation targets; electric utility resource plans and clean energy action plans; transportation electrification plans; multiyear rate plans; and pipeline safety and replacement plans. Rules will also establish a cost test for emissions reduction measures achieved by large combination utilities to comply with state clean energy and climate policies.

Process for Developing New Rule: UTC will ask for initial written comments on the CR-101 and will conduct an initial workshop. UTC will request additional comments on draft rules prior to a second workshop and drafting proposed rules in the CR-102 phase.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jeff Killip, Executive Director and Secretary, 621 Woodland Square Loop S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, phone 360-664-1173, fax 360-586-1150, TTY 1-800-833-6384 or 711, email records@utc.wa.gov, website www.utc.wa.gov/e-filing.