WashingtonSB 60762025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Streamlining consumer-owned utility procurement requirements for clean energy generation, energy storage, transmission, and distribution projects.

Sponsored By: Keith Goehner (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Municipalities can skip some energy bidding

Until January 1, 2045, municipalities can waive competitive bidding for common-facility projects defined in state law. They can also waive bidding for energy generation, storage, transmission, or distribution purchases when faster buying is necessary. Their governing body must find that purchases address reliability standards, prevent grid reliability threats, or obtain proprietary or specialized technology with no comparable alternative. These waivers allow faster purchasing but remove the usual competitive bidding requirement. They do not directly change household payments or utility rates.

Utilities gain bidding options with limits

Utilities with purchasing departments can accept bids on paper or electronically; electronic bidding is not required. For contracts based on filed plans and specifications, districts can select the lowest bidder only if qualified and responsive to requirements. Districts can award contracts up to 25% above estimated materials or work costs, up from the former 15% ceiling. Awards cannot exceed that new ceiling, and the law does not set a household bill change.

Utilities gain flexible clean energy purchasing

Until January 1, 2045, public utility districts must contract for qualifying energy projects costing more than $500,000. Covered projects include nonemitting or renewable power generation, energy storage, transmission, and distribution. Districts can instead use regular employees under accepted prudent utility practices, with materials capped at $1 million, excluding individual equipment values. For these projects, a commission resolution allows an alternative purchasing process for same-kind items totaling more than $50,000 but less than $250,000 per calendar month, excluding sales tax. The commission may also waive the required deposit or bid bond.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Keith Goehner
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Jesse Salomon
Democratic • Senate
Liz Lovelett
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca Saldaña
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 191 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 48 • No: 1

House vote • 3/4/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 95 • No: 1 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage