RCW 80.28.487: Thermal energy networks—Commission authority to provide discounted rates.

(1) Upon its own motion, or upon request by an electrical company or a thermal energy company, or other party to a general rate case hearing, or other proceeding to set rates, the commission may authorize an electrical company to provide discounted rates to a company operating a thermal energy network in the electrical company's service area.

(2) The commission may authorize an electrical company to provide such discounted rates if the thermal energy network operates in a way that allows the electrical company to deliver electricity more efficiently than an electrical company's standard electric service, including if the thermal energy network shifts load off of peak demand.

(3) If the commission approves discounted rates as described in this section, the commission must consider the benefits of reduced input costs to operate thermal energy networks in future proceedings to set rates for thermal energy networks.