Energy Efficiency Standard:

In 2006, Initiative 237 established energy efficiency requirements applicable to electric utilities with more than 25,000 customers, applicable to 17 of the 64 electric utilities with combined loads equal to 81% of the WA loads. Qualifying utilities were required in 2010 to (i) identify achievable and cost-effective conservation potential out to 2019 and provide updates every 2 years for 10 years; (ii) establish and meet conservation targets every 2 years. WA uses the Total Resource Cost test as the criteria for cost-effective energy efficiency programs. Utility programs must be consistent with the methods used by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

Building Codes:

The State Building Code Council reviews proposals and decides whether to update the state building code. The Council follows a three-year cycle to update codes consistent with the International Code Council.

Appliance Standards:

In 2005, WA enacted appliance efficiency standards for 12 products that were subsequently pre-empted by federal standards. In 2009, new legislation established state appliance standards for 5 products. (HB 104). In 2019, WA adopted additional appliance standards that brings the total current appliance standards up to 22. (HB 144)