Description
Utilities will be a major driver and implementer of GHG emission reductions from the state Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), Washington State Energy Code, Clean Buildings Act, and the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). Utilities have significant influence and capacity to invest in the future of King County’s energy and clean building landscape. It is crucial that King County collaborate with utilities and community partners to advance an equitable green energy transition.
The County will collaborate and mobilize partners to work with utilities on related efforts and programs, including review of utility integrated resource plans. The County will advocate for grid reliability, grid modernization, renewables access and an equitable, managed transition off fossil fuels for buildings and transportation sectors. King County priorities include reducing impacts of energy transition to low-income households and frontline communities; supporting demand response and storage technologies that reduce peak load and provide grid flexibility; prioritizing underserved communities with community solar on community buildings or similar shared ownership models; and advocating for equitable electricity rates that do not penalize electrification.
Contributing to all of these goals, the County will collaborate with utilities to explore a “virtual power plant” pilot program for unincorporated King County, including but not limited to rural areas such as Vashon-Maury Island, which will seek to integrate multiple power sources, such as renewable energy systems and home and EV batteries, into a distributed generation network.