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Last Updated: September 2008
12/07: The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved an agreement that reduces by 40 percent a proposed utility rate increase for Avista’s electric customers in Washington. Under the settlement agreement, the average residential electric customer using 1000 kilowatt-hours a month will pay an additional $6.39 a month for a total of $70.76. Avista sought the rate hike to pay for rising costs in the wholesale price of natural gas used to generate some of the electricity it supplies to customers. The company also had made significant investments in its transmission system and upgraded some hydroelectric projects.
Source: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
http://www.wutc.wa.gov/
10/01: Puget Sound's Time of Use Rate Plan, which was to expire in October 2001, has been extended through May 31, 2002. The program, originally for about 300,000 residential customers, also is being expanded to include about 20,000 nonresidential customers. Under the plan, customers' rates vary with on-peak and off-peak hours. The program has resulted in a shift of about 5 percent of load from peak to off-peak hours, creating savings for both the utility and the customers.
05/01: The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) announced a settlement between Puget Sound Energy and the utility's large industrial customers. The utility's six largest industrial customers will be allowed to buy power from any source, including other utilities, power marketers and each other.
12/00: Two publicly owned utilities have had to raise their rates due to high wholesale prices in the western states. Snohomish Public Utility increased rates by 35 percent, effective in January 2001. Tacoma Power is considering a surcharge on bills of 86 percent, an unprecedented increase of between $70 and $100 monthly in the cost of electricity for Tacoma's residential consumers.
06/98: The pilot program that will allow Washington Water Power Company's customers to choose the type of electric power they want to buy will begin 7/1/98.
05/98: Several bills were passed by the legislature: a net metering bill to allow net metering for on customer site generation from solar, wind, and small (under 25 kW) hydro; and an unbundling bill to require generation, distribution, transmission, control area services, and programs to benefit the public (i.e., low-income, conservation) to be shown as separate charges for the purpose of preparing a report to the State Legislature. The bill did not require utilities to offer unbundled services to consumers.
05/98: The WUTC completed Phase I of its investigation into electric restructuring concluding the pace nationwide is faster than expected.
04/98: House Bill 2831 passed the State Legislature and the Governor is expected to sign it. The bill requires utilities to study and submit reports on unbundling their costs and the quality of service and reliability. Reports must be submitted by September 1998, and the WUTC will provide a consolidated report to the legislature by December 1998.
02/98: Washington Water Power Company (WWPC) is selling blocks of wood and wind powered electricity in its pilot program.
12/97: Washington Water Power filed a new pilot program with the WUTC, "More Options for Power Service II," to replace their previous one. The pilot will allow about 7,800 customers in WA and ID to choose among five energy service alternatives without changing energy service providers. The portfolio of options includes traditional energy service, 2 variable market rate options, a "standard rate offer" based on BPA's preference rate, and a renewable resource rate. The pilot is scheduled to begin in 1998 and go through 5/2000.
08/97: WUTC approved 2-year Pilot program submitted by Puget Sound Energy for 10,000 customers. The pilot will begin 11/1/97 and go through 12/99.
12/96: Regional study entitled Comprehensive Review of the Pacific Northwest Energy System is completed and accepted by four Northwest governors.
12/95: The WUTC issued its final guidelines after a year-long inquiry into retail wheeling and restructuring issues, favoring a gradual approach.