All Roll Calls
Yes: 204 • No: 35
WashingtonHB 15142025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Encouraging the deployment of low carbon thermal energy networks.
Sponsored By: Alex Ramel (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Law takes effect only if funded
This law takes effect only if the omnibus budget includes specific funding for it by June 30, 2025. If that funding is not provided by that date, the entire act is null and void.
Budget billing and low income discounts
Utilities must offer a budget billing or equal payment plan to residential customers. If you qualify for the state’s low‑income energy assistance, the plan must be offered without limits based on months, tenancy, or length of stay. Each gas, electric, and thermal energy company must also propose low‑income help, like discount rates or grants. The commission approves, changes, or rejects those programs, and utilities may recover program costs in rates. Utilities and the commission must do broad outreach and coordinate with community groups.
Fair service and accurate thermal meters
Thermal energy customers get the same utility protections as gas, electric, water, and wastewater customers. Charges must be just and reasonable, service must be safe and adequate, and rules must be published. The commission inspects and approves thermal meters and testing tools. Utilities may not install or use meters the commission has not approved.
No winter shutoffs and heat-day reconnection
The law bars shutoffs for home heating from November 15 to March 15 if you meet all rules. You must tell the utility within five business days that you cannot pay (unless there are extenuating circumstances), self-certify last‑12‑month income to a Commerce grantee, apply for energy help and weatherization if available, and keep a payment plan. The plan aims to clear past‑due amounts by October 15 of the next year, with monthly payments capped at 7% of monthly income plus one‑twelfth of the arrears unless you agree to more. Utilities also cannot terminate service on any National Weather Service heat‑alert day. If you were disconnected for nonpayment, you can ask to be reconnected on a heat‑alert day, and the utility must make a reasonable attempt to reconnect (a payment plan may be required).
Pay over time for energy upgrades
The commission may approve tariffs for electrical, gas, and thermal energy companies to fund energy‑saving upgrades. You can pay over time. For property owners, the utility may record a payment notice with the county auditor, and in some cases the obligation can be tied to the property and future owners.
Cheaper power and financing for networks
The commission may let an electric utility give a discounted power rate to a company that runs a thermal energy network, if the network helps the utility deliver power more efficiently, like shifting load off‑peak. If approved, the commission must consider the lower input costs in future rate cases for those networks. The law also makes thermal projects eligible for conservation bonds and related financing tools.
When thermal networks become regulated
Thermal energy companies and CHP facilities can opt in to commission regulation, and once they opt in they must stay regulated. Small or legacy systems are exempt unless they grow: systems with fewer than five independent customers and fewer than 250 residential users, systems operating before July 1, 2025, and CHP facilities remain exempt unless they opt in. Systems under development as of July 1, 2025 can keep an exemption by sending written notice to the commission. When an exempt system reaches five independent customers and 250 residential users, the company must file a general rate case within 12 months so the commission can set rates.
Who can own thermal networks, and how
The law defines thermal energy, services, systems, and networks. Networks cannot rely on combustion to make heat, except for emergency backup. Electric and gas utilities may own, run, or manage thermal energy networks in Washington. The commission can set rules if a provider injects more heat than the system needs, so customers are not charged for energy that gives no benefit.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Alex Ramel
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Beth Doglio
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Lisa Parshley
Democratic • House
Liz Berry
Democratic • House
Victoria Hunt
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/22/2025
Final Passage as Amended by the Senate
Yes: 70 • No: 26 • Other: 2
Senate vote • 4/15/2025
3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate
Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1
House vote • 3/10/2025
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 86 • No: 9 • Other: 3
Actions Timeline
Effective date 7/27/2025.
5/13/2025HouseChapter 263, 2025 Laws.
5/13/2025HouseGovernor signed.
5/13/2025legislatureDelivered to Governor.
4/25/2025legislaturePresident signed.
4/24/2025legislatureSpeaker signed.
4/23/2025legislaturePassed final passage; yeas, 70; nays, 26; absent, 0; excused, 2.
4/22/2025HouseHouse concurred in Senate amendments.
4/22/2025HouseThird reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
4/15/2025HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
4/15/2025HouseCommittee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.
4/15/2025HousePlaced on second reading by Rules Committee.
4/11/2025HousePassed to Rules Committee for second reading.
4/8/2025HouseMinority; without recommendation.
4/7/2025HouseMinority; do not pass.
4/7/2025HouseWM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s) by Environment, Energy & Technology.
4/7/2025HouseReferred to Ways & Means.
4/2/2025HouseAnd refer to Ways & Means.
4/1/2025HouseENET - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
4/1/2025HouseFirst reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.
3/12/2025HouseThird reading, passed; yeas, 86; nays, 9; absent, 0; excused, 3.
3/10/2025HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/10/2025House2nd substitute bill substituted.
3/10/2025HouseRules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
3/9/2025HouseReferred to Rules 2 Review.
2/28/2025House
Bill Text
Session Law
5/16/2025
Bill as Passed Legislature
4/30/2025
Second Substitute
3/3/2025
Substitute Bill
2/10/2025
Original Bill
1/22/2025
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