MEDIA ADVISORY: Public invited to join UTC workshop on greenhouse gas emissions reports

Media contact: [email protected] or 360-664-1116
Docket number: U-210590

LACEY, Wash. - The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) invites the public to a hybrid workshop on how greenhouse gas emissions reports may be used to make future environmental measurements to evaluate the performance of Washington's investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities.

This workshop is part of the UTC's ongoing work to find new ways to evaluate the performance of these companies beyond traditional energy regulation. Participants will hear from the Washington Department of Commerce and Department of Ecology about current greenhouse gas reporting programs, what data utilities have, and what information might be missing.

The discussion may help guide future discussions about how the UTC measures progress on a utility's environmental and clean energy goals.

WHO

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

WHAT

Hybrid workshop and educational session

WHEN and WHERE

9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 10

Join by Zoom (recommended) or by phone at 253-215-8782 with Meeting ID 839 5437 0365# and Passcode 009883#.

You can also submit your comments:

• online, 

• by telephone at 888-333-9882, 

• by email at [email protected], and

• by mail to P.O Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250.

If you have trouble understanding English, you can ask for free language assistance services at least one week before the meeting. Contact us at 360-664-1193 or [email protected].

To get hearing notices and updates about a company or case, you can ask to be added to the Docket U-210590 "interested persons" email list by emailing r[email protected].

BACKGROUND

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5295, directing the UTC to find new ways to regulate utilities beyond the traditional rate-setting process. This includes setting performance measurements, goals, incentives, and penalties.

As part of that work, participants proposed environmental measurements related to greenhouse gas emissions and utility performance. During past workshops, utilities and other participants voiced the need for clear information about greenhouse gas reporting and how to make the data easier for the public to access and understand.

During the June 10 workshop, the Department of Commerce will explain Washington's Fuel Mix Disclosure program, and the Department of Ecology will discuss the state's greenhouse gas reporting program. Participants will discuss how existing data may support future environmental measurements and identify where more information may be needed.

About the UTC

The UTC regulates investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. The commission ensures regulated companies provide safe, equitable, and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while earning a fair profit.

###