Commission Watch

“Unlike other siting entities across the country, there are two differences. One is that we also have oversight of construction and of the operation of the facility through its life and decommissioning. That’s quite different. The other is that we recommend approval or rejection to the Governor and the Governor makes the final decision on the facilities.”

A conversation with Washington State's Media and Communications Manager, Assistant Director for Consumer Protection, Investigator 3, and Regulatory Analyst.

“If a major incident occurs, we get Staff on-site quickly, begin assessing and investigating the scene, and relaying relevant information back to headquarters. It’s a team effort with field Staff taking a lead role.”

“We work closely with the state Broadband Office. The Commission has been directed by the legislature to review technical feasibilities of any of the plans the Broadband Office approves.”

“On any one day you could be dealing with a large gas transmission or hazardous liquid company at the interstate level or testifying in front of our state legislature.”

“In rulemakings and open meeting items, there’s free conversation among Staff, Commissioners, and Judges. In adjudication, the ex parte wall comes up, and only Policy, Judges, and Commissioners can talk with each other, and the rest of Staff take on an advocacy role.”

“CETA is a total change in how we approach utility investment. We still have ratemaking standards to meet, we still have lowest reasonable costs. CETA does have an off-ramp if costs get out of control, in a two percent cost cap.”

“We’ve had flat to declining revenues and increasing cost pressures over the last several years. We’re looking at how to adjust some regulatory fees to set the Commission on firm financial footing.”

“CETA requires that utilities ensure that energy is affordable, reliable, and that they make the transition to one hundred percent clean energy in an equitable manner.”

“As we think about implementing the clean energy law, how do we at the same time change our ratemaking process to be more forward-looking, as well as give the utilities every chance of success?”