RCW 80.28.080 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 080
RCW 80.28.080: Published rates to be charged—Exceptions.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Except as provided otherwise in this subsection, no gas company, electrical company, wastewater company, water company, or thermal energy company may charge, demand, collect or receive a greater or less or different compensation for any service rendered or to be rendered than the rates and charges applicable to such service as specified in its schedule filed and in effect at the time, nor may any such company directly or indirectly refund or remit in any manner or by any device any portion of the rates or charges so specified, or furnish its product at free or reduced rates except to its employees and their families, and its officers, attorneys, and agents; to hospitals, charitable and eleemosynary institutions and persons engaged in charitable and eleemosynary work; to indigent and destitute persons; to national homes or state homes for disabled volunteer soldiers and soldiers' and sailors' homes. For the purposes of this subsection (1): (i) "Employees" includes furloughed, pensioned and superannuated employees, persons who have become disabled or infirm in the service of any such company; and (ii) "Families" includes the families of those persons named in this proviso, the families of persons killed or dying in the service, also the families of persons killed, and the surviving spouse prior to remarriage, and the minor children during minority of persons who died while in the service of any of the companies named in this subsection (1). (b) Water companies may furnish free or at reduced rates water for the use of the state, or for any project in which the state is interested. (c) Gas companies, electrical companies, wastewater companies, water companies, and thermal energy companies may charge the defendant for treble damages awarded in lawsuits successfully litigated under RCW 80.28.240 . (2) No gas company, electrical company, wastewater company, water company, or thermal energy company may extend to any person or corporation any form of contract or agreement or any rule or regulation or any privilege or facility except such as are regularly and uniformly extended to all persons and corporations under like circumstances.
RCW 80.36.050 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 36 / Section 050
RCW 80.36.050: Use of railroad right-of-way—Penalty for refusal by railroad.
Status: in_force

Every railroad operated in this state, and carrying freight and passengers for hire, or doing business in this state, is and shall be designated a "post road," and the corporation or company owning the same shall allow telecommunications companies to construct and maintain telecommunications lines on and along the right-of-way of such railroad. In case of the refusal or neglect of any railroad company or corporation to comply with the provisions of this section, said company or corporation shall be liable for damages in the sum of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars for each offense, and one hundred dollars per day during the continuance thereof.
RCW 80.01.040 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 01 / Section 040
RCW 80.01.040: General powers and duties of commission.
Status: in_force

The utilities and transportation commission shall: (1) Exercise all the powers and perform all the duties prescribed by this title and by Title 81 RCW, or by any other law. (2) Regulate in the public interest, as provided by the public service laws, all persons engaging in the transportation of persons or property within this state for compensation. (3) Regulate in the public interest, as provided by the public service laws, the rates, services, facilities, and practices of all persons engaging within this state in the business of supplying any utility service or commodity to the public for compensation. (4) Make rules and regulations necessary to carry out its other powers and duties.
RCW 80.12.060 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 12 / Section 060
RCW 80.12.060: Penalty.
Status: in_force

The provisions of RCW 80.04.380 and 80.04.385 as to penalties shall be applicable to public service companies, their officers, agents and employees failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
RCW 80.54.040 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 54 / Section 040
RCW 80.54.040: Criteria for just and reasonable rate.
Status: in_force

A just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility the recovery of not less than all the additional costs of procuring and maintaining pole attachments, nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses, including just compensation, of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole, duct, or conduit used for the pole attachment, including a share of the required support and clearance space, in proportion to the space used for the pole attachment, as compared to all other uses made of the subject facilities, and uses which remain available to the owner or owners of the subject facilities.
RCW 80.36.100 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 36 / Section 100
RCW 80.36.100: Tariff schedules to be filed and open to public—Exceptions.
Status: in_force

(1) Every telecommunications company shall file with the commission and shall print and keep open to public inspection at such points as the commission may designate, schedules showing the rates, tolls, rentals, and charges of such companies for messages, conversations and services rendered and equipment and facilities supplied for messages and services to be performed within the state between each point upon its line and all other points thereon, and between each point upon its line and all points upon every other similar line operated or controlled by it, and between each point on its line or upon any line leased, operated or controlled by it and all points upon the line of any other similar company, whenever a through service and joint rate shall have been established or ordered between any two such points. (2) If no joint rate covering a through service has been established, the several companies in such through service shall file, print and keep open to public inspection as aforesaid the separately established rates, tolls, rentals, and charges applicable for such through service. (3) The schedules printed as aforesaid shall plainly state the places between which telecommunications service, or both, will be rendered, and shall also state separately all charges and all privileges or facilities granted or allowed, and any rules or regulations which may in anywise change, affect or determine any of the aggregate of the rates, tolls, rentals or charges for the service rendered. (4) A schedule shall be plainly printed in large type, and a copy thereof shall be kept by every telecommunications company readily accessible to and for convenient inspection by the public at such places as may be designated by the commission, which schedule shall state the rates charged from such station to every other station on such company's line, or on any line controlled and used by it within the state. (a) All or any of such schedules kept as aforesaid shall be immediately produced by such telecommunications company upon the demand of any person. (b) A notice printed in bold type, and stating that such schedules are on file and open to inspection by any person, the places where the same are kept, and that the agent will assist such person to determine from such schedules any rate, toll, rental, rule or regulation which is in force shall be kept posted by every telecommunications company in a conspicuous place in every station or office of such company. (5) This section does not apply to telecommunications companies classified as competitive under RCW 80.36.320 or to telecommunications services classified as competitive under RCW 80.36.330 .
RCW 80.28.040 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 040
RCW 80.28.040: Commission may order improved service—Water companies, system of sewerage noncompliance, receivership.
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever the commission finds, after hearing, that any rules, regulations, measurements or the standard thereof, practices, acts or services of any such gas company, electrical company, wastewater company, water company, or thermal energy company are unjust, unreasonable, improper, insufficient, inefficient or inadequate, or that any service which may be reasonably demanded is not furnished, the commission shall fix the reasonable rules, regulations, measurements or the standard thereof, practices, acts or service to be thereafter furnished, imposed, observed and followed, and shall fix the same by order or rule. (2) In ordering improvements to the service of any water company, the commission shall consult and coordinate with the department of health. In the event that a water company fails to comply with an order of the commission within the deadline specified in the order, the commission may request that the department petition the superior court of Thurston county to place the company in receivership pursuant to chapter 7.60 RCW. (3) In ordering improvements to the service of any system of sewerage, the commission shall consult and coordinate with the department of health or the department of ecology, as appropriate to the agencies' jurisdiction. In the event that a wastewater company fails to comply with an order of the commission within the deadline specified in the order, the commission may petition the superior court of Thurston county to place the company in receivership pursuant to chapter 7.60 RCW.
RCW 80.32.040 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 32 / Section 040
RCW 80.32.040: Grant of franchise subject to referendum.
Status: in_force

All grants of franchises or rights for the conduct or distribution of electric energy, electric power, or electric light within any city or town of the state of Washington by the city council or other legislative body or legislative authority thereof, whether granted by ordinance, resolution, or other form of grant, contract, permission or license, shall be subject to popular referendum under the general laws of this state heretofore or hereafter enacted, or as may be provided by the charter provisions, heretofore or hereafter adopted, of any such city or town: PROVIDED, That no petition for referendum may be filed after six months from the date of ordinance, resolution, or other form of grant, contract, permission, or license granting such franchise.
RCW 80.01.080 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 01 / Section 080
RCW 80.01.080: Public service revolving fund.
Status: in_force

There is created in the state treasury a public service revolving fund. Regulatory fees payable by all types of public service companies shall be deposited to the credit of the public service revolving fund. Except for expenses payable out of the pipeline safety account, all expense of operation of the Washington utilities and transportation commission shall be payable out of the public service revolving fund. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, moneys in the account may also be transferred into the state general fund. During the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to transfer money in the public service revolving fund to the state general fund.
RCW 80.28.270 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 270
RCW 80.28.270: Water or wastewater companies—Extension, installation, or connection charges.
Status: in_force

The commission's jurisdiction over the rates, charges, practices, acts or services of any water company or wastewater company includes any aspect of line extension, service installation, or service connection. If the charges for such services are not set forth by specific amount in the company's tariff filed with the commission pursuant to RCW 80.28.050 , the commission shall determine the fair, just, reasonable, and sufficient charge for such extension, installation, or connection. In any such proceeding in which there is no specified tariffed rate, the burden is on the company to prove that its proposed charges are fair, just, reasonable, and sufficient.
RCW 80.04.110 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 110
RCW 80.04.110: Complaints—Hearings—Water systems not meeting board of health standards—Drinking water standards—Nonmunicipal water systems audits.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Complaint may be made by the commission of its own motion or by any person or corporation, chamber of commerce, board of trade, or any commercial, mercantile, agricultural or manufacturing society, or any body politic or municipal corporation, or by the public counsel section of the office of the attorney general, or its successor, by petition or complaint in writing, setting forth any act or thing done or omitted to be done by any public service corporation in violation, or claimed to be in violation, of any provision of this title, Title 81 RCW, or of any order or rule of the commission. (b) No complaint may be entertained by the commission except upon its own motion, as to the reasonableness of the schedule of the rates or charges of any gas company, electrical company, water company, wastewater company, or telecommunications company, unless the same be signed by the mayor, council or commission of the city or town in which the company complained of is engaged in business, or not less than twenty-five consumers or purchasers of such gas, electricity, water, wastewater company services, or telecommunications service, or at least twenty-five percent of the consumers or purchasers of the company's service. (c) When two or more public service corporations, (meaning to exclude municipal and other public corporations) are engaged in competition in any locality or localities in the state, either may make complaint against the other or others that the rates, charges, rules, regulations or practices of such other or others with or in respect to which the complainant is in competition, are unreasonable, unremunerative, discriminatory, illegal, unfair or intending or tending to oppress the complainant, to stifle competition, or to create or encourage the creation of monopoly, and upon such complaint or upon complaint of the commission upon its own motion, the commission has power, after notice and hearing as in other cases, to, by its order, subject to appeal as in other cases, correct the abuse complained of by establishing such uniform rates, charges, rules, regulations or practices in lieu of those complained of, to be observed by all of such competing public service corporations in the locality or localities specified as is found reasonable, remunerative, nondiscriminatory, legal, and fair or tending to prevent oppression or monopoly or to encourage competition, and upon any such hearing it is proper for the commission to take into consideration the rates, charges, rules, regulations and practices of the public service corporation or corporations complained of in any other locality or localities in the state. (2) All matters upon which complaint may be founded may be joined in one hearing, and no motion may be entertained against a complaint for misjoinder of complaints or grievances or misjoinder of parties; and in any review of the courts of orders of the commission the same rule shall apply and pertain with regard to the joinder of complaints and parties as herein provided. However, all grievances to be inquired into must be plainly set forth in the complaint. No complaint may be dismissed because of the absence of direct damage to the complainant. (3) Upon the filing of a complaint, the commission shall cause a copy thereof to be served upon the person or corporation complained of, which must be accompanied by a notice fixing the time when and place where a hearing will be had upon such complaint. The time fixed for such hearing may not be less than ten days after the date of the service of such notice and complaint, excepting as herein provided. The commission shall enter its final order with respect to a complaint filed by any entity or person other than the commission within ten months from the date of filing of the complaint, unless the date is extended for cause. Rules of practice and procedure not otherwise provided for in this title may be prescribed by the commission. Such rules may include the requirement that a complainant use informal processes before filing a formal complaint. (4)(a) The commission may, as appropriate, audit a nonmunicipal water system upon receipt of an administrative order from the department, or the city or county in which the water system is located, finding that the water delivered by a system does not meet state board of health standards adopted under RCW 43.20.050 (2)(a) or standards adopted under chapters 70A.100 and 70A.125 RCW, and the results of the audit must be provided to the requesting department, city, or county. However, the number of nonmunicipal water systems referred to the commission in any one calendar year shall not exceed twenty percent of the water companies subject to commission regulation as defined in RCW 80.04.010 . (b) Every nonmunicipal water system referred to the commission for audit under this section shall pay to the commission an audit fee in an amount, based on the system's twelve-month audited period, equal to the fee required to be paid by regulated companies under RCW 80.24.010 . (5) Any customer or purchaser of service from a water system or company that is subject to commission regulation may file a complaint with the commission if he or she has reason to believe that the water delivered by the system to the customer does not meet state drinking water standards under chapter 43.20 or 70A.100 RCW. The commission shall investigate such a complaint, and shall request that the state department of health or local health department of the county in which the system is located test the water for compliance with state drinking water standards, and provide the results of such testing to the commission. The commission may decide not to investigate the complaint if it determines that the complaint has been filed in bad faith, or for the purpose of harassment of the water system or company, or for other reasons has no substantial merit. The water system or company shall bear the expense for the testing. After the commission has received the complaint from the customer and during the pendency of the commission investigation, the water system or company may not take any steps to terminate service to the customer or to collect any amounts alleged to be owed to the company by the customer. The commission may issue an order or take any other action to ensure that no such steps are taken by the system or company. The customer may, at the customer's option and expense, obtain a water quality test by a licensed or otherwise qualified water testing laboratory, of the water delivered to the customer by the water system or company, and provide the results of such a test to the commission. If the commission determines that the water does not meet state drinking water standards, it shall exercise its authority over the system or company as provided in this title, and may, where appropriate, order a refund to the customer on a pro rata basis for the substandard water delivered to the customer, and shall order reimbursement to the customer for the cost incurred by the customer, if any, in obtaining a water quality test.
RCW 80.28.060 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 060
RCW 80.28.060: Tariff changes—Statutory notice—Exception—Waiver of provisions during state of emergency.
Status: in_force

(1) Unless the commission otherwise orders, no change may be made in any rate or charge or in any form of contract or agreement or in any rule or regulation relating to any rate, charge or service, or in any general privilege or facility which shall have been filed and published by a gas company, electrical company, wastewater company, water company, or thermal energy company in compliance with the requirements of RCW 80.28.050 except after thirty days' notice to the commission and publication for thirty days, which notice must plainly state the changes proposed to be made in the schedule then in force and the time when the change will go into effect and all proposed changes must be shown by printing, filing and publishing new schedules, or shall be plainly indicated upon the schedules in force at the time and kept open to public inspection. Proposed changes may be suspended by the commission within thirty days or before the stated effective date of the proposed change, whichever is later. The commission, for good cause shown, may allow changes without requiring the thirty days' notice by duly filing, in such manner as it may direct, an order specifying the changes so to be made and the time when it takes effect. All such changes must be immediately indicated upon its schedules by the company affected. When any change is made in any rate or charge, form of contract or agreement, or any rule or regulation relating to any rate or charge or service, or in any general privilege or facility, the effect of which is to increase any rate or charge, then in existence, attention must be directed on the copy filed with the commission to such increase by some character immediately preceding or following the item in such schedule, such character to be in form as designated by the commission. (2) During a state of emergency declared under RCW 43.06.010 (12), the governor may waive or suspend the operation or enforcement of this section or any portion of this section or under any administrative rule, and issue any orders to facilitate the operation of state or local government or to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.
RCW 80.50.080 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 50 / Section 080
RCW 80.50.080: Counsel for the environment.
Status: in_force

After the council has received a site application, the attorney general shall appoint an assistant attorney general as a counsel for the environment. The counsel for the environment shall represent the public and its interest in protecting the quality of the environment. Costs incurred by the counsel for the environment in the performance of these duties shall be charged to the office of the attorney general, and shall not be a charge against the appropriation to the energy facility site evaluation council. He or she shall be accorded all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of an attorney representing a party in a formal action. This section shall not be construed to prevent any person from being heard or represented by counsel in accordance with the other provisions of this chapter.
RCW 80.50.105 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 50 / Section 105
RCW 80.50.105: Transmission facilities for petroleum products—Recommendations to governor.
Status: in_force

In making its recommendations to the governor under this chapter regarding an application that includes transmission facilities for petroleum products, the council shall give appropriate weight to city or county facility siting standards adopted for the protection of sole source aquifers.
RCW 80.04.095 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 095
RCW 80.04.095: Protection of records containing commercial information.
Status: in_force

Records, subject to chapter 42.56 RCW, filed with the commission or the attorney general from any person which contain valuable commercial information, including trade secrets or confidential marketing, cost, or financial information, or customer-specific usage and network configuration and design information, shall not be subject to inspection or copying under chapter 42.56 RCW: (1) Until notice to the person or persons directly affected has been given; and (2) if, within ten days of the notice, the person has obtained a superior court order protecting the records as confidential. The court shall determine that the records are confidential and not subject to inspection and copying if disclosure would result in private loss, including an unfair competitive disadvantage. When providing information to the commission or the attorney general, a person shall designate which records or portions of records contain valuable commercial information. Nothing in this section shall prevent the use of protective orders by the commission governing disclosure of proprietary or confidential information in contested proceedings.
RCW 80.08.043 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 08 / Section 043
RCW 80.08.043: Issuance of notes—Compliance with RCW 80.08.040—Exceptions.
Status: in_force

A public service company may issue notes, except demand notes, for proper purposes and not in violation of any provision of this chapter, or any other law, payable at periods of not more than twelve months after the date of issuance, without complying with the requirements of RCW 80.08.040 , but no such note may be refunded, in whole or in part, by any issue of stock or stock certificates or other evidence of interest or ownership, or bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness, without compliance with RCW 80.08.040 . However, compliance with RCW 80.08.040 is required for the issuance of any note or notes issued as part of a single borrowing transaction of one million dollars or more payable at periods of less than twelve months after the date of issuance by any public service company that is subject to the federal power act unless such note or notes aggregates together with all other then outstanding notes and drafts of a maturity of twelve months or less on which such public service company is primarily or secondarily liable not more than five percent of the par value of other securities of such company then outstanding, computed, in the case of securities having no par value, on the basis of the fair market value as of the date of issuance.
RCW 80.36.183 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 36 / Section 183
RCW 80.36.183: Discounted message toll rates prohibited—Availability of statewide, averaged toll rates.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no telecommunications company shall offer a discounted message toll service based on volume that prohibits aggregation of volumes across all territory with respect to which that company functions as an interexchange carrier. The commission shall continue to have the authority to require statewide, averaged toll rates to be made available by any telecommunications company subject to its jurisdiction.
RCW 80.08.010 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 08 / Section 010
RCW 80.08.010: Definition.
Status: in_force

The term "public service company", as used in this chapter, shall mean every company now or hereafter engaged in business in this state as a public utility and subject to regulation as to rates and service by the utilities and transportation commission under the provisions of this title.
RCW 80.20.010 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 20 / Section 010
RCW 80.20.010: Definition.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the term "public service company" means any person, firm, association, or corporation, whether public or private, operating a utility or public service enterprise subject in any respect to regulation by the commission under the provisions of this title.
RCW 80.04.550 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 550
RCW 80.04.550: Thermal energy—Restrictions on authority of commission.
Status: in_force

(1) It is the intent of the legislature to exempt from commission regulation thermal energy companies in operation or under development before July 1, 2025, and combined heat and power facilities that are not otherwise regulated under this title. Nothing in this section shall prevent the commission from issuing or enforcing any order affecting combined heat and power facilities owned or operated by an electrical company that are subsidized by a regulated service. (2) Nothing in this title shall authorize the commission to make or enforce any order affecting rates, tolls, rentals, contracts or charges for service rendered, or the adequacy or sufficiency of the facilities, equipment, instrumentalities, or buildings, or the reasonableness of rules or regulations made, furnished, used, supplied, or in force affecting any: (a) Thermal energy company operating a thermal energy system that has less than five independent customers and less than 250 residential end users, unless the thermal energy company chooses to opt-in to commission regulation by providing the commission with a request to opt-in to regulation in writing. (i) For the purposes of this section, "independent customer" means a unique direct customer receiving thermal energy for one or more buildings through one or more metered services. (ii) For the purposes of this section, "residential end user" means a household in a dwelling unit that is not a direct customer of a thermal energy company but is located within a residential multifamily building or residential portion of a mixed-use building served by a thermal energy company. (iii) If a thermal energy company's exempted thermal energy system grows to have five or more independent customers and 250 or more residential end users, the thermal energy company must submit the thermal energy system to the commission in a general rate case filing no later than 12 months after surpassing the exemption threshold so the commission can set the rates and charges of the thermal energy company; (b) Thermal energy company owning and operating any thermal energy system in operation before July 1, 2025, unless the thermal energy company chooses to opt-in to commission regulation by providing the commission with a request to opt-in to regulation in writing; (c) A combined heat and power facility engaged in thermal energy services, unless such a facility chooses to opt-in to commission regulation by providing the commission with a request to opt-in to regulation in writing. (3) A thermal energy company that chooses to opt-in to commission regulation must remain under commission regulation and cannot subsequently opt-out of commission regulation. (4) A thermal energy company that owns a thermal energy system that is under development but has not commenced operation as of July 1, 2025, is not subject to commission regulation if the thermal energy company notifies the commission in writing of the company's plans to operate the thermal energy system. (5) The legislature finds that gas companies maintain their priority for developing thermal energy network pilot projects as provided in RCW 80.28.460 .
RCW 80.50.090 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 50 / Section 090
RCW 80.50.090: Public hearings—Opportunity for public comment.
Status: in_force

(1) The council shall conduct an informational public hearing in the county of the proposed site as soon as practicable but not later than sixty days after receipt of an application for site certification. However, the place of such public hearing shall be as close as practical to the proposed site. (2) Subsequent to the informational public hearing, the council shall conduct a public hearing to determine whether or not the proposed site is consistent and in compliance with city, county, or regional land use plans or zoning ordinances on the date of the application. (3)(a) After the submission of an environmental checklist and prior to issuing a threshold determination that a facility is likely to cause a significant adverse environmental impact under chapter 43.21C RCW, the director must notify the project applicant and explain in writing the basis for its anticipated determination of significance. Prior to issuing the threshold determination of significance, the director must give the project applicant the option of withdrawing and revising its application and the associated environmental checklist to clarify or make changes to features of the proposal that are designed to mitigate the impacts that were the basis of the director's anticipated determination of significance. The director shall make the threshold determination based upon the changed or clarified proposal following the applicant's submittal. The director must provide an opportunity for public comment on a project for which a project applicant has withdrawn and revised the application and environmental checklist and subsequently received a threshold determination of nonsignificance or mitigated determination of nonsignificance. (b) The notification required under (a) of this subsection is not an official determination by the director and is not subject to appeal under chapter 43.21C RCW. (4) Prior to the issuance of a council recommendation to the governor under RCW 80.50.100 a public hearing, conducted as an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act, shall be held. (a) At such public hearing any person shall be entitled to be heard in support of or in opposition to the application for certification by raising one or more specific issues, provided that the person has raised the issue or issues in writing with specificity during the application review process or during the public comment period that will be held prior to the start of the adjudicative hearing. (b) If the environmental impact of the proposed facility in an application for certification is not significant or will be mitigated to a nonsignificant level under RCW 43.21C.031 , the council may limit the topic of the public hearing conducted as an adjudicative proceeding under this section to whether any land use plans or zoning ordinances with which the proposed site is determined to be inconsistent under subsection (2) of this section should be preempted. (5) After expedited processing is granted under RCW 80.50.075 , the council must hold a public meeting to take comments on the proposed application prior to issuing a council recommendation to the governor. (6) Additional public hearings shall be held as deemed appropriate by the council in the exercise of its functions under this chapter.
RCW 80.40.030 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 40 / Section 030
RCW 80.40.030: Eminent domain.
Status: in_force

Any natural gas company having received an order under RCW 80.40.040 shall have the right of eminent domain to be exercised in the manner provided in and subject to the provisions of chapter 8.20 RCW to acquire for its use for the underground storage of natural gas any underground reservoir, as well as such other property or interests in property as may be required to adequately maintain and utilize the underground reservoir for the underground storage of natural gas, including easements and rights-of-way for access to and egress from the underground storage reservoir. The right of eminent domain granted hereby shall apply to property or property interests held in private ownership, provided condemnor has exercised good faith in negotiations for private sale or lease. No property shall be taken or damaged until the compensation to be made therefor shall have been ascertained and paid. Any property or interest therein so acquired by any natural gas company shall be used exclusively for the purposes for which it was acquired. Any decree of appropriation hereunder shall define and limit the rights condemned and shall provide for the reversion of such rights to the defendant or defendants or their successors in interest upon abandonment of the underground storage project. Good faith exploration work or development work relative to the storage reservoir is conclusive evidence that its use has not been abandoned. The court may include in such decree such other relevant conditions, covenants and restrictions as it may deem fair and equitable.
RCW 80.04.500 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 500
RCW 80.04.500: Application to municipal utilities.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this title authorizes the commission to make or enforce any order affecting rates, tolls, rentals, contracts or charges or service rendered, or the adequacy or sufficiency of the facilities, equipment, instrumentalities or buildings, or the reasonableness of rules or regulations made, furnished, used, supplied or in force affecting any telecommunications line, gas plant, electrical plant, system of sewerage, or water system owned and operated by any city or town, or to make or enforce any order relating to the safety of any telecommunications line, electrical plant, system of sewerage, or water system owned and operated by any city or town, but all other provisions enumerated herein apply to public utilities owned by any city or town.
RCW 80.04.120 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 120
RCW 80.04.120: Hearing—Order—Record.
Status: in_force

At the time fixed for the hearing mentioned in RCW 80.04.110 , the complainant and the person or corporation complained of shall be entitled to be heard and introduce such evidence as he or she or it may desire. The commission shall issue process to enforce the attendance of all necessary witnesses. At the conclusion of such hearing, the commission shall make and render findings concerning the subject matter and facts inquired into and enter its order based thereon. A copy of such order, certified under the seal of the commission, shall be served upon the person or corporation complained of, or his or her or its attorney, which order shall, of its own force, take effect and become operative twenty days after the service thereof, except as otherwise provided. Where an order cannot, in the judgment of the commission, be complied with within twenty days, the commission may prescribe such additional time as in its judgment is reasonably necessary to comply with the order, and may, on application and for good cause shown, extend the time for compliance fixed in its order. A full and complete record of all proceedings had before the commission, or any member thereof, on any formal hearing had, and all testimony shall be taken down by a stenographer appointed by the commission, and the parties shall be entitled to be heard in person or by attorney. In case of an action to review any order of the commission, a transcript of such testimony, together with all exhibits introduced, and of the record and proceedings in the cause, shall constitute the record of the commission.
RCW 80.28.090 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 090
RCW 80.28.090: Unreasonable preference prohibited.
Status: in_force

No gas company, electrical company, wastewater company, water company, or thermal energy company may make or grant any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage to any person, corporation, or locality, or to any particular description of service in any respect whatsoever, or subject any particular person, corporation or locality or any particular description of service to any undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage in any respect whatsoever.
RCW 80.04.320 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 320
RCW 80.04.320: Budget rules.
Status: in_force

The commission may prescribe the necessary rules to place RCW 80.04.300 through 80.04.330 in operation. It may, by rule, establish criteria to exempt companies in whole or in part from the operation thereof. The commission may upon request of any company withhold from publication during such time as the commission may deem advisable any portion of any original or supplementary budget relating to proposed capital expenditures.
RCW 80.04.070 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 070
RCW 80.04.070: Inspection of books, papers, and documents.
Status: in_force

The commission and each commissioner, or any person employed by the commission, shall have the right, at any and all times, to inspect the accounts, books, papers, and documents of any public service company, and the commission, or any commissioner, may examine under oath any officer, agent, or employee of such public service company in relation thereto, and with reference to the affairs of such company: PROVIDED, That any person other than a commissioner who shall make any such demand shall produce his or her authority from the commission to make such inspection.
RCW 80.28.405 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 405
RCW 80.28.405: Clean energy action plan—Greenhouse gas emissions—Calculation of cost.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of chapter 288, Laws of 2019, the cost of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the generation of electricity, including the effect of emissions, is equal to the cost per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, using the two and one-half percent discount rate, listed in table 2, technical support document: Technical update of the social cost of carbon for regulatory impact analysis under Executive Order No. 12866, published by the interagency working group on social cost of greenhouse gases of the United States government, August 2016. The commission must adjust the costs established in this section to reflect the effect of inflation.
RCW 80.04.387 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 387
RCW 80.04.387: Penalties—Violations by other corporations.
Status: in_force

Every corporation, other than a public service company, which shall violate any provision of this title, or which shall fail to obey, observe or comply with any order of the commission under authority of this title, so long as the same shall be and remain in force, shall be subject to a penalty of not to exceed the sum of one thousand dollars for each and every offense. Every such violation shall be a separate and distinct offense, and the penalty shall be recovered in an action as provided in RCW 80.04.400 .
RCW 80.28.230 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 230
RCW 80.28.230: Gas companies—Use for purpose acquired exclusive—Disposition of property.
Status: in_force

Any property or interest acquired as provided in RCW 80.28.220 shall be used exclusively for the purposes for which it was acquired: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That if any such property be sold or otherwise disposed of by said corporations, such sale or disposition shall be by public sale or disposition and advertised in the manner of public sales in the county where such property is located.
RCW 80.36.225 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 36 / Section 225
RCW 80.36.225: Pay telephones—Calls to operator without charge or coin insertion to be provided.
Status: in_force

All telecommunications companies and customer-owned, pay telephone providers doing business in this state and utilizing pay telephones shall provide a system whereby calls may be made to the operator without charge and without requiring the use of credit cards or other payment devices, or insertion of any coins into such pay telephone.
RCW 80.36.145 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 36 / Section 145
RCW 80.36.145: Formal investigation and fact-finding—Alternative to full adjudicative proceeding—Waiver of provisions during state of emergency.
Status: in_force

(1) The legislature declares that the availability of an alternative abbreviated formal procedure for use by the commission instead of a full adjudicative proceeding may in appropriate circumstances advance the public interest by reducing the time required by the commission for decision and the costs incurred by interested parties and ratepayers. Therefore, the commission is authorized to use formal investigation and fact-finding instead of an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW when it determines that its use is in the public interest and that a full adjudicative hearing is not necessary to fully develop the facts relevant to the proceeding and the positions of the parties, including intervenors. (2) The commission may use formal investigation and fact-finding instead of the hearing provided in the following circumstances: (a) A complaint proceeding under RCW 80.04.110 with concurrence of the respondent when the commission is the complainant or with concurrence of the complainant and respondent when not the commission; (b) A tariff suspension under RCW 80.04.130 ; or (c) A competitive classification proceeding under RCW 80.36.320 and 80.36.330 . (3) In formal investigation and fact-finding the commission may limit the record to written submissions by the parties, including intervenors. The commission shall review the written submissions and, based thereon, shall enter appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law and its order. When there is a reasonable expression of public interest in the issues under consideration, the commission shall hold at least one public hearing for the receipt of information from members of the public that are not formal intervenors in the proceeding and may elect to convert the proceeding to an adjudicative proceeding at any stage. The assignment of an agency employee or administrative law judge to preside at such public hearing shall not require the entry of an initial order. (4) The commission shall adopt rules of practice and procedure including rules for discovery of information necessary for the use of formal investigation and fact-finding and for the filing of written submissions. The commission may provide by rule for a number of rounds of written comments: PROVIDED, That the party with the burden of proof shall always have the opportunity to file reply comments. (5) During a state of emergency declared under RCW 43.06.010 (12), the governor may waive or suspend the operation or enforcement of this section or any portion of this section or under any administrative rule, and issue any orders to facilitate the operation of state or local government or to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.
RCW 80.50.160 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 50 / Section 160
RCW 80.50.160: Availability of information.
Status: in_force

The council shall make available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the expense of any person requesting copies, any information filed or submitted pursuant to this chapter.
RCW 80.50.010 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 50 / Section 010
RCW 80.50.010: Legislative finding—Policy—Intent.
Status: in_force

The legislature finds that the present and predicted growth in energy demands in the state of Washington requires a procedure for the selection and use of sites for energy facilities and the identification of a state position with respect to each proposed site. The legislature recognizes that the selection of sites will have a significant impact upon the welfare of the population, the location and growth of industry and the use of the natural resources of the state. It is the policy of the state of Washington to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by recognizing the need for clean energy in order to strengthen the state's economy, meet the state's greenhouse gas reduction obligations, and mitigate the significant near-term and long-term impacts from climate change while conducting a public process that is transparent and inclusive to all with particular attention to overburdened communities. The legislature finds that the in-state manufacture of industrial products that enable a clean energy economy is critical to advancing the state's objectives in providing affordable electricity, promoting renewable energy, strengthening the state's economy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the legislature intends to provide the council with additional authority regarding the siting of clean energy product manufacturing facilities. It is the policy of the state of Washington to recognize the pressing need for increased energy facilities, and to ensure through available and reasonable methods that the location and operation of all energy facilities and certain clean energy product manufacturing facilities will produce minimal adverse effects on the environment, ecology of the land and its wildlife, and the ecology of state waters and their aquatic life. It is the intent to seek courses of action that will balance the increasing demands for energy facility location and operation in conjunction with the broad interests of the public. In addition, it is the intent of the legislature to streamline application review for energy facilities to meet the state's energy goals and to authorize applications for review of certain clean energy product manufacturing facilities to be considered under the provisions of this chapter. Such action will be based on these premises: (1) To assure Washington state citizens that, where applicable, operational safeguards are at least as stringent as the criteria established by the federal government and are technically sufficient for their welfare and protection. (2) To preserve and protect the quality of the environment; to enhance the public's opportunity to enjoy the esthetic and recreational benefits of the air, water and land resources; to promote air cleanliness; to pursue beneficial changes in the environment; and to promote environmental justice for overburdened communities. (3) To encourage the development and integration of clean energy sources. (4) To provide abundant clean energy at reasonable cost. (5) To avoid costs of complete site restoration and demolition of improvements and infrastructure at unfinished fission nuclear energy sites, and to use unfinished fission nuclear energy facilities for public uses, including economic development, under the regulatory and management control of local governments and port districts. (6) To avoid costly duplication in the siting process and ensure that decisions are made timely and without unnecessary delay while also encouraging meaningful public comment and participation in energy facility decisions.
RCW 80.20.040 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 20 / Section 040
RCW 80.20.040: Commission's determination of necessity as evidence.
Status: in_force

In such action the commission's determination of the necessity of the investigation, valuation, appraisal or services shall be conclusive evidence of such necessity, and its findings and determination of facts expressed in bills rendered pursuant to RCW 80.20.020 through 80.20.060 or in any proceedings determinative of such bills shall be prima facie evidence of such facts.
RCW 80.28.360 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 360
RCW 80.28.360: Electric vehicle supply equipment—Capital expenditures—Incentive rate of return on investment.
Status: in_force

(1) In establishing rates for each electrical company regulated under this title, the commission may allow an incentive rate of return on investment through December 31, 2030, on capital expenditures for electric vehicle supply equipment that is deployed for the benefit of ratepayers, provided that the capital expenditures of the utilities' programs or plans in RCW 80.28.365 (1) do not increase the annual retail revenue requirement of the utility, after accounting for the benefits of transportation electrification in each year of the plan, in excess of one-quarter of one percent. The commission must consider and may adopt other policies to improve access to and promote fair competition in the provision of electric vehicle supply equipment. (2) An incentive rate of return on investment under this section may be allowed only if the company chooses to pursue capital investment in electric vehicle supply equipment on a fully regulated basis similar to other capital investments behind a customer's meter. In the case of an incentive rate of return on investment allowed under this section, an increment of up to two percent must be added to the rate of return on common equity allowed on the company's other investments. (3) The incentive rate of return on investment authorized in subsection (2) of this section applies only to projects which have been installed after July 1, 2015. (4) The incentive rate of return on investment increment pursuant to this section may be earned only for a period up to the depreciable life of the electric vehicle supply equipment as defined in the depreciation schedules developed by the company and submitted to the commission for review. When the capital investment has fully depreciated, an electrical company may gift the electric vehicle supply equipment to the owner of the property on which it is located. (5) By December 31, 2017, the commission must report to the appropriate committees of the legislature with regard to the use of any incentives allowed under this section, the quantifiable impacts of the incentives on actual electric vehicle deployment, and any recommendations to the legislature about utility participation in the electric vehicle market.
RCW 80.04.150 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 150
RCW 80.04.150: Remunerative rates cannot be changed without approval.
Status: in_force

Whenever the commission shall find, after hearing had upon its own motion or upon complaint as herein provided, that any rate, toll, rental or charge which has been the subject of complaint and inquiry is sufficiently remunerative to the public service company affected thereby, it may order that such rate, toll, rental or charge shall not be changed, altered, abrogated or discontinued, nor shall there be any change in the classification which will change or alter such rate, toll, rental or charge without first obtaining the consent of the commission authorizing such change to be made.
RCW 80.28.100 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 100
RCW 80.28.100: Rate discrimination prohibited—Exception.
Status: in_force

No gas company, electrical company, wastewater company, water company, or thermal energy company may, directly or indirectly, or by any special rate, rebate, drawback or other device or method, charge, demand, collect or receive from any person or corporation a greater or less compensation for gas, electricity, wastewater company services, water, or thermal energy, or for any service rendered or to be rendered, or in connection therewith, except as authorized in this chapter, than it charges, demands, collects or receives from any other person or corporation for doing a like or contemporaneous service with respect thereto under the same or substantially similar circumstances or conditions. If the commission finds any instance of a thermal energy resource provider injecting thermal energy into a thermal energy system that exceeds system needs and creates system imbalance, the commission may issue rules to address such an issue to ensure ratepayers are not charged for energy that does not provide a benefit.
RCW 80.40.070 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 40 / Section 070
RCW 80.40.070: Leases by county commissioners.
Status: in_force

Whenever it shall appear to the board of county commissioners of any county that it is for the best interests of said county, the taxing districts and the people thereof, that any county-owned or tax-acquired property owned by the county, either absolutely or as trustee, should be leased for the purpose of underground storage of natural gas therein, said board of county commissioners is hereby authorized to enter into written leases under the terms of which any county-owned lands, property, or interest therein are leased for the aforementioned purposes, with or without an option to purchase the land surface. Any such lease shall be upon such terms and conditions as said county commissioners may deem for the best interests of said county and the taxing districts, and may be for such primary term as said board may determine and as long thereafter as the lessee continues to use the said lands, property, or interest therein for underground storage of natural gas.
RCW 80.80.070 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 80 / Section 070
RCW 80.80.070: Consumer-owned utilities—Baseload electric generation—Long-term financial commitments.
Status: in_force

(1) No consumer-owned utility may enter into a long-term financial commitment unless the baseload electric generation supplied under such a long-term financial commitment complies with the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard established under RCW 80.80.040 . (2) The governing board shall review and make a determination on any long-term financial commitment by the utility, pursuant to this chapter and after consultation with the department, to determine whether the baseload electric generation to be supplied under that long-term financial commitment complies with the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard established under RCW 80.80.040 . No consumer-owned utility may enter into a long-term financial commitment unless the baseload electric generation to be supplied under that long-term financial commitment complies with the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard established under RCW 80.80.040 . (3) In confirming that a long-term financial commitment is for baseload electric generation, the governing board shall consider the design of the power plant and the intended use of the power plant based upon the electricity purchase contract, if any, permits necessary for the operation of the power plant, and any other matter the governing board determines is relevant under the circumstances. (4) The governing board may provide a case-by-case exemption from the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard to address: (a) Unanticipated electric system reliability needs; or (b) catastrophic events or threat of significant financial harm that may arise from unforeseen circumstances. (5) The governing board shall apply the procedures adopted by the department to verify the emissions of greenhouse gases from baseload electric generation under RCW 80.80.040 , and may request assistance from the department in doing so. (6) For consumer-owned utilities, the auditor is responsible for auditing compliance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter that apply to those utilities and the attorney general is responsible for enforcing that compliance. (7) This section does not apply to long-term financial commitments for the purchase of coal transition power with termination dates consistent with the applicable dates in RCW 80.80.040 (3)(c).
RCW 80.36.338 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 36 / Section 338
RCW 80.36.338: Withdrawal of price list—Customer information, opportunity to accept changes in rates, terms, or conditions—Cancellation period.
Status: in_force

Each company withdrawing a filed price list shall provide each customer receiving service under the price list with information about the rates, terms, and conditions under which the service will continue to be provided. If the rates, terms, and conditions do not change upon withdrawal of the price list, such rates, terms, and conditions shall be binding to the same extent as the price list. If any of the rates, terms, and conditions do change upon withdrawal of the price list, the company must provide each customer with a reasonable opportunity to decide whether to accept the changed rate, term, or condition. If a customer does not cancel service within thirty days after notice of the change is given, the customer will be deemed to have accepted all the rates, terms, and conditions offered by the company.
RCW 80.70.080 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 70 / Section 080
RCW 80.70.080: Certain applicants for a natural gas-fired generation plant exempt from chapter.
Status: in_force

(1) An applicant for a natural gas-fired generation plant to be constructed in a county with a coal-fired electric generation facility subject to RCW 80.80.040 (3)(c) is exempt from this chapter if the application is filed before December 31, 2025. (2) For the purposes of this section, an applicant means the owner of a coal-fired electric generation facility subject to RCW 80.80.040 (3)(c). (3) This section expires December 31, 2025, or when the station-generating capability of all natural gas-fired generation plants approved under this section equals the station-generating capability from a coal-fired electric generation facility subject to RCW 80.80.040 (3)(c).
RCW 80.01.035 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 01 / Section 035
RCW 80.01.035: Appointment of commissioners pro tempore.
Status: in_force

When a commissioner has heard all or a substantial part of an adjudicative proceeding and leaves office before entry of a final order in the proceeding, at the request of the remaining commissioners the commissioner leaving office may be appointed by the governor as commissioner pro tempore to complete the proceeding. A proceeding is completed when the commission enters a final order purporting to resolve all contested issues therein, from which no party seeks clarification or reconsideration, or upon entry of an order on clarification or reconsideration, even though the order is subject to a petition for judicial review. A commissioner pro tempore shall receive a reasonable compensation to be fixed by the remaining members of the commission.
RCW 80.40.020 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 40 / Section 020
RCW 80.40.020: Declaration concerning the public interest.
Status: in_force

The underground storage of natural gas will promote the economic development of the state and provide for more economic distribution of natural gas to the domestic, commercial and industrial consumers of this state, thereby serving the public interest.
RCW 80.36.060 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 36 / Section 060
RCW 80.36.060: Liability for wilful injury to telecommunications property.
Status: in_force

Any person who wilfully and maliciously does any injury to any telecommunications property mentioned in RCW 80.36.070 , is liable to the company for five times the amount of actual damages sustained thereby, to be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
RCW 80.80.120 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 80 / Section 120
RCW 80.80.120: Memorandum of agreement—Authorized provisions.
Status: in_force

(1) A memorandum of agreement entered into pursuant to RCW 80.80.100 may include provisions to assist in the financing of emissions reductions that exceed those required by RCW 80.80.040 (3)(c) by providing for the recognition of such reductions in applicable state policies and programs relating to greenhouse gas emissions, and by encouraging and advocating for the recognition of the reductions in all established and emerging emission reduction frameworks at the regional, national, or international level. (2) The governor may recommend actions to the legislature to strengthen implementation of an agreement or a proposed agreement relating to recognition of investments in emissions reductions described in subsection (1) of this section.
RCW 80.36.190 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 36 / Section 190
RCW 80.36.190: Long and short distance provision.
Status: in_force

No telecommunications company subject to the provisions of this title shall charge or receive any greater compensation in the aggregate for the transmission of any long distance conversation or message of like kind for a shorter than for a longer distance over the same line, in the same direction, within this state, the shorter being included within the longer distance, or charge any greater compensation for a through service than the aggregate of the intermediate rates subject to the provision of this title, but this shall not be construed as authorizing any such telecommunications company to charge and receive as great a compensation for a shorter as for a longer distance. Upon application of any telecommunications company the commission may, by order, authorize it to charge less for longer than for a shorter distance service for the transmission of conversation or messages in special cases after investigation, but the order must specify and prescribe the extent to which the telecommunications company making such application is relieved from the operation of this section, and only to the extent so specified and prescribed shall any telecommunications company be relieved from the requirements of this section.
RCW 80.04.350 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 350
RCW 80.04.350: Depreciation and retirement accounts.
Status: in_force

The commission shall have power after hearing to require any or all public service companies to carry proper and adequate depreciation or retirement accounts in accordance with such rules, regulations and forms of accounts as the commission may prescribe. The commission may from time to time ascertain and by order fix the proper and adequate rates of depreciation or retirement of the several classes of property of each public service company. Each public service company shall conform its depreciation or retirement accounts to the rates so prescribed. In fixing the rate of the annual depreciation or retirement charge, the commission may consider the rate and amount theretofore charged by the company for depreciation or retirement. The commission shall have and exercise like power and authority over all other reserve accounts of public service companies.
RCW 80.54.030 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 54 / Section 030
RCW 80.54.030: Commission order fixing rates, terms, or conditions.
Status: in_force

Whenever the commission shall find, after hearing had upon complaint by a licensee or by a utility, that the rates, terms, or conditions demanded, exacted, charged, or collected by any utility in connection with attachments are unjust, unreasonable, or that the rates or charges are insufficient to yield a reasonable compensation for the attachment, the commission shall determine the just, reasonable, or sufficient rates, terms, and conditions thereafter to be observed and in force and shall fix the same by order. In determining and fixing the rates, terms, and conditions, the commission shall consider the interest of the customers of the attaching utility or licensee, as well as the interest of the customers of the utility upon which the attachment is made.
RCW 80.04.430 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 04 / Section 430
RCW 80.04.430: Findings of commission prima facie correct.
Status: in_force

Whenever the commission has issued or promulgated any order or rule, in any writ of review brought by a public service company to determine the reasonableness of such order or rule, the findings of fact made by the commission shall be prima facie correct, and the burden shall be upon said public service company to establish the order or rule to be unreasonable or unlawful.
RCW 80.28.290 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 290
RCW 80.28.290: Compressed natural gas—Refueling stations—Identify barriers.
Status: in_force

The commission shall identify barriers to the development of refueling stations for vehicles operating on compressed natural gas, and shall develop policies to remove such barriers. In developing such policies, the commission shall consider providing rate incentives to encourage natural gas companies to invest in the infrastructure required by such refueling stations.
RCW 80.98.050 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 98 / Section 050
RCW 80.98.050: Emergency—1961 c 14.
Status: in_force

This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.
RCW 80.12.010 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 12 / Section 010
RCW 80.12.010: Definitions.
Status: in_force

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Person" means an individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, association, firm, public service company, or any other entity, however organized. (2) "Public service company" means every company now or hereafter engaged in business in this state as a public utility and subject to regulation as to rates and service by the utilities and transportation commission under the provisions of this title.
RCW 80.28.025 — Washington Code / Title 80 / Chapter 28 / Section 025
RCW 80.28.025: Encouragement of energy cogeneration, conservation, and production from renewable resources—Consideration of water conservation goals.
Status: in_force

(1) In establishing rates for each gas and electric company regulated by this chapter, the commission shall adopt policies to encourage meeting or reducing energy demand through cogeneration as defined in *RCW 82.35.020 , measures which improve the efficiency of energy end use, and new projects which produce or generate energy from renewable resources, such as solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy, wood, wood waste, municipal wastes, agricultural products and wastes, and end-use waste heat. These policies shall include but are not limited to allowing a return on investment in measures to improve the efficiency of energy end use, cogeneration, or projects which produce or generate energy from renewable resources which return is established by adding an increment of two percent to the rate of return on common equity permitted on the company's other investment. Measures or projects encouraged under this section are those for which construction or installation is begun after June 12, 1980, and before January 1, 1990, and which, at the time they are placed in the rate base, are reasonably expected to save, produce, or generate energy at a total incremental system cost per unit of energy delivered to end use which is less than or equal to the incremental system cost per unit of energy delivered to end use from similarly available conventional energy resources which utilize nuclear energy or fossil fuels and which the gas or electric company could acquire to meet energy demand in the same time period. The rate of return increment shall be allowed for a period not to exceed thirty years after the measure or project is first placed in the rate base. (2) In establishing rates for water companies regulated by this chapter, the commission may consider the achievement of water conservation goals and the discouragement of wasteful water use practices.