Chelan PUD outlines clean energy plan with focus on equity and affordability

Chelan County PUD staff presented new metrics in their Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) focused on equity and affordability in response to Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act. This four-year roadmap aims to ensure that energy savings and benefits reach vulnerable households while maintaining an 80% renewable energy target through 2029. The plan includes expanded bill assistance and home upgrades through the Comfort Plus program, which received an additional $739,000 in funding to enhance its reach. Early data show that average energy-bill reductions can range between 10% and 50%, depending on the type of upgrades implemented. A new moderate-income rebate tier will also be introduced for households that do not qualify for traditional aid but still face high energy costs.

The CEIP utilizes data from the Washington Department of Health's environmental-health disparities map to prioritize outreach to impacted neighborhoods. Commissioners will provide feedback on the CEIP framework in November, with a public hearing scheduled for December 1. Adoption of the plan will guide program funding and customer outreach through the upcoming compliance period.