(1) When an integrated system plan of a large combination utility proposes geographically targeted electrification of all or a portion of a service area in which the large combination utility provides gas service to such a service area and one or more consumer-owned utilities provide electric service to such a service area, the integrated system plan of the large combination utility must include a process for outreach by the large combination utility to all consumer-owned utilities providing electric service to such a service area. As part of that outreach, the large combination utility shall provide gas delivery data of sufficient granularity for the consumer-owned electric company to assess the sufficiency of the capacity of the electric distribution system to accommodate the additional load from electrification at the circuit level. This data must be provided at least one plan cycle prior to electrification actions by the large combination utility to allow affected consumer-owned electric companies sufficient time to upgrade electrical distribution equipment and materials as needed to preserve system reliability.

(2) Consumer-owned utilities are encouraged to:

(a) Work with large combination utilities providing gas service within their service areas to identify opportunities for electrification and mitigating grid impacts by the large combination utility;

(b) Account for the costs of greenhouse gas emissions, set total energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, and develop and implement electrification programs in collaboration with large combination utilities providing gas service in service areas of consumer-owned utilities; and

(c) Include an electrification plan or transportation electrification program as part of collaboration with large combination utilities.

(3) Nothing in this section may be construed as expanding or contracting the authority of any electric utility with regard to the designation of the boundaries of adjoining service areas that each electric utility must observe.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2024 c 351: See notes following RCW 80.86.010.