PDFWAC 194-40-330

Methodologies for energy efficiency and demand response resources.

(1) Energy efficiency resources.
(a) Assessment of potential:
(i) Any utility that is a qualifying utility under chapter 19.285 RCW must assess the amount of energy efficiency and conservation that is available using the conservation methodology established in RCW 19.285.040(1) and the rules implementing that subsection. The analysis must include the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions as specified in WAC 194-40-110.
(ii) Any utility that is not a qualifying utility under chapter 19.285 RCW must establish the amount of energy efficiency and conservation that is available using either of the following methods:
(A) Use the conservation methodology established in RCW 19.285.040(1) and the rules implementing that subsection; or
(B) Establish the reasonable utility-level proportion of a conservation potential assessment prepared at a regional or multi-utility level using a methodology that:
(I) Evaluates resource alternatives on a total resource cost basis, in which all costs and all benefits of conservation measures are included regardless of who pays the costs or receives the benefits; and
(II) Includes the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions as specified in WAC 194-40-110.
(b) Target. The energy efficiency target for any interim performance period or GHG neutral compliance period must equal or exceed the target that would be calculated using the pro rata share approach specified in RCW 19.285.040 (1)(b) and must be sufficient to ensure that the utility meets its obligation under RCW 19.405.040(6) to pursue all cost-effective, reliable, and feasible conservation and energy efficiency resources.
(c) Measurement and verification. All energy efficiency and conservation resources used to meet an energy efficiency target must be measured and verified using the measurement and verification requirements of WAC 194-37-080 (3) and (4).
(2) Demand response resources:
(a) Assessment of potential. Each utility must assess the amount of demand response resource that is cost-effective, reliable, and feasible.
(b) Target. The demand response target for any compliance period must be sufficient to meet the utility's obligation under RCW 19.405.040(6) and must be consistent with the utility's integrated resource plan or resource plan and any distributed energy resource plan adopted under RCW 19.280.100.
(c) Measurement and verification. Each utility must maintain and apply measurement and verification protocols to determine the amount of capacity resulting from demand response resources and to verify the acquisition or installation of the demand response resources being recorded or claimed. The utility must document the methodologies, assumptions, and factual inputs used in its measurement and verification of demand response resources.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.405.100 and 19.405.060. WSR 21-02-039, § 194-40-330, filed 12/29/20, effective 1/29/21.]