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.
