A controversial bill concerning the future of natural gas in Washington is now law. But the heated debate over how we warm our homes is far from over.on Thursday afternoon. He did so despite the growing calls for a veto, including from progressive and environmental groups. Those critics say the new law’s final language primarily benefits, a significantly altered version barely made it through the state House this time.
PSE is the one that requested the bill be brought forward during the legislative session, with the company’s attorneys helping to draft it. But the measure that ultimately passed is markedly different from the one introduced in January. The, written by House lawmakers, included a provision that would prohibit new residential and small commercial natural gas services after June 30, 2024.
Simply put — if PSE determines an appliance is not effective, state utility commissioners can require PSE to move customers from natural gas to electricity, regardless of the obligation to serve. “This will lead to significant short-term rate increases which will disproportionately impact low and moderate-income households without corresponding commitments from the utility to retire gas infrastructure to meet climate targets and save customers money,” the group wrote in a public statement.
“We know many consumers are choosing to electrify their homes and businesses and are taking advantage of state and federal incentives,” a PSE spokespersonafter the bill was signed into law. “PSE has dramatically expanded our low-income bill assistance programs and established a new bill discount rate for qualifying customers to protect them through this long transition.”
Under the proposal, the typical residential electricity customer would see a monthly increase of $7.84 starting in 2025 and an additional $11.20 in 2026. The typical natural gas customer would see a $13.96 increase in 2025 and $1.51 in 2026, according to the utility.
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