Puget Sound Energy seeks 30% rate hike, citing clean energy mandates and grid upgrades Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is requesting a significant increase in customer rates, proposing a nearly 30% rise in electric bills and nearly 20% in gas bills by 2029 for residential users. The utility’s plan, submitted to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, comes amid rising energy costs and expanding commitments to renewable energy and grid reliability. The rate increase follows a 12% jump in energy bills this year, driven by state-mandated costs for complying with the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and the Clean Electricity Transformation Act (CETA). These laws require utilities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and invest in clean energy infrastructure. PSE’s Public Relations Manager, Melanie Coon, explained that the new proposal reflects additional investments in renewable projects, grid upgrades, and natural gas capacity to meet peak demand. The utility’s request includes costs for 11 new CETA-compliant renewable energy projects, which account for approximately 40% of the proposed rate adjustments. Coon emphasized that the plan also covers expenses for natural gas-fired power plants, which are necessary to ensure reliability when renewable sources like wind and solar are unavailable. The rate hike has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Mary Dye, ranking minority on the House Environment & Energy Committee. Dye argued that PSE’s financial burden stems from Democratic-led clean energy policies, which she claims have shifted costs to customers while benefiting shareholders.#house_bill_2515 #puget_sound_energy #melanie_coon #climate_commitment_act #clean_electricity_transformation_act
