(1) Every gas company, electrical company, wastewater company, or water company, engaged in the sale and distribution of gas, electricity, or water, or the provision of wastewater company services, shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish to all persons and corporations who may apply therefor and be reasonably entitled thereto, suitable facilities for furnishing and furnish all available gas, electricity, wastewater company services, and water as demanded, except that: (a) A water company may not furnish water contrary to the provisions of water system plans approved under chapter 43.20 or 70A.100 RCW; (b) wastewater companies may not provide services contrary to the approved general sewer plan; and (c) exclusively upon petition of a gas company, and subject to the commission's approval, a gas company's obligation to serve gas to customers that have access to the gas company's thermal energy network may be met by providing thermal energy through a thermal energy network.

(2) Every gas company or large combination utility shall provide natural gas to all persons and corporations in their service area or territory that demand, apply for, and are reasonably entitled to receive, natural gas under this section, even if other energy services or energy sources may be available.

Findings—2025 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 2066): "(1) The people find that having access to natural gas enhances the safety, welfare, and standard of living of all people in Washington. The people further find that preserving Washington's gas infrastructure and systems will promote energy choice, security, independence, and resilience throughout the state. Natural gas is a convenient and important necessity because it: Serves as a backup source of energy during emergencies; provides consumers with more options for heating, sanitation, cooking and food preparation, and other household activities, helping to control their costs; and sustains essential businesses, such as restaurants.

(2) Unfortunately, due to recent policy and corporate decisions, the people's ability to make choices about their energy sources is at risk. Therefore, the people determine that access to gas and gas appliances must be preserved for Washington homes and businesses, by strengthening utilities' obligation to provide natural gas to customers who want it, and by preventing regulatory actions that will limit access to gas." [ 2025 c 1 s 1 (Initiative Measure No. 2066, approved November 5, 2024).]

Explanatory statement—2021 c 65: See note following RCW 53.54.030.

Findings—Purpose—Limitation of chapter—Effective date—2011 c 214: See notes following RCW 80.04.010.

Legislative findings—Severability—1990 c 132: See note following RCW 43.20.240.

Duty of company to fix rate for wholesale power on request of public utility district: RCW 54.04.100.