The Snohomish County Council has rejected a proposed resolution with a 2-2 vote. This resolution called for the Washington State Legislature to carefully consider the negative effects of a recently passed law that has implications for Puget Sound Energy. It is worth noting that Puget Sound Energy is responsible for supplying natural gas to approximately 150,000 homes in the jurisdiction.
In this legislative session, the Legislature passed House Bill 1589, which requires PSE to consolidate their electrical and natural gas plans and submit them to the State Transportation and Utilities Commission. While the initial draft of the bill aimed to prohibit PSE from offering new natural gas service and relieve them of their obligation to provide natural gas, these provisions were ultimately removed by the legislators in the final version of the bill.
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Vice Chair Nate Nehring has put forward a resolution asserting that the provisions of ESHB 1589 fail to provide any certainty in terms of timeline and costs for customers transitioning from natural gas to electric service. The resolution calls upon the Legislature to take action during the 2025 legislative session to amend state law in order to safeguard the financial stability of residents and businesses.
PSE has released statements refuting the claim that the new policy bans natural gas, despite criticism that it could lead to the removal of gas service.
During the April 10 meeting of the Snohomish County Council, Robert Knoll from PSE addressed the council members, highlighting the prevalence of misinformation surrounding HB 1589.
He expressed his disappointment with the resolution, stating that it inaccurately portrays the law. He emphasized the need to revise our planning requirements and regulatory framework to align with the evolving energy laws in the state. It is crucial for PSE to fulfill its legal obligation of providing natural gas to anyone within our service territory who desires it.
According to Nehring, he believes that the framework of HB 1589, as passed by the legislature, sets PSE on a path to transition their natural gas service to electric. However, he acknowledges that this transition will come with a significant cost.
Councilmember Strom Peterson, who voted against the resolution, expressed his concern regarding the misleading nature of the legislation. He emphasized that the legislation does not require homes to convert from natural gas to electric, nor does it mandate a switch from gas to electric.
In this space, knowing the changing market is crucial, as stated by the speaker. Interestingly, heat pumps have been outselling gas furnaces for the past two years.
Councilmember Megan Dunn also expressed her opposition to the resolution, while Councilmember Sam Low cast his vote in favor of it. Chair Jared Mead, on the other hand, chose to abstain from voting.
The Washington State Building Code Council recently approved a new code that initially aimed to explicitly prohibit natural gas. However, it was later revised. Despite the revisions, plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the council argue that the code still effectively bans natural gas by imposing stringent requirements for its installation in new constructions. Additionally, the new code prohibits PSE from providing subsidies for natural gas pipeline extensions.
During the meeting on April 10th, Knoll expressed his view that these policies discourage customers from connecting to the natural gas system.
