(1) The procedures and criteria the utility will use in its RFP to evaluate and rank project proposals are subject to commission approval.

(2) At a minimum, the ranking criteria must recognize resource cost, market-volatility risks, demand-side resource uncertainties, resource dispatchability, resource effect on system operation, credit and financial risks to the utility, the risks imposed on ratepayers, public policies regarding resource preference adopted by Washington state or the federal government and environmental effects including those associated with resources that emit carbon dioxide. The ranking criteria must recognize differences in relative amounts of risk inherent among different technologies, fuel sources, financing arrangements, and contract provisions. The ranking process must complement power acquisition goals identified in the utility's integrated resource plan.

(3) After the project proposals have been opened for ranking, the utility must make available for public inspection at the utility's designated place of business a summary of each project proposal and a final ranking of all proposed projects.

(4) The utility may reject any project proposal that does not specify, as part of the price bid, the costs of complying with environmental laws, rules, and regulations in effect at the time of the bid.

(5) The utility may reject all project proposals if it finds that no proposal adequately serves ratepayers' interests. The commission will review, as appropriate, such a finding together with evidence filed in support of any acquisition in the utility's next general rate case or other cost recovery proceeding.

(6) When the utility, the utility's subsidiary or an affiliate submits a bid in response to an RFP, one or more competing bidders may request the commission to appoint an independent third party to assist commission staff in its review of the bid. Should the commission grant such a request, the fees charged by the independent third party will be paid by the party or parties requesting the independent review.