SCALE 2030

• Generate a new, long-term source of clean buildings transition funding, specifically with a small utility bill surcharge.
• In California, the Electric Program Investment Charge adds x/kwh on customer bills and raises $148 million annually. A similar charge could raise ~$ in Washington.
• The funding could be used to invest in market transformation initiatives for key technologies like heat pumps, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and distributed energy resources (DERS); to fund Washington Builds; and to develop and maintain a tracking dashboard of statewide progress towards clean building goals.

With CCA revenues expected to decline over time and many uses competing for limited CCA funds, a new funding source is needed to establish funding dedicated to buildings. Long-term, stable funding will enable scaled planning and a pivot to investing in shifting the market through Washington Builds and market transformation, while still supporting existing programs.

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To ensure that a utility bill surcharge does not deepen affordability issues, customers on a bill assistance or other low-income program should be excluded. Renewing the surcharge every five years adds an accountability mechanism to protect customers.

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2027: The State Legislature approves a five-year utility bill charge and dedicates the revenue to EPIC to be managed by Commerce that would distribute to Washington Builds and to fund clean buildings market transformation, grant programs, and a dashboard to track the clean building transition against state building sector targets.

2028: Collected funds are deposited to Commerce and distributed to Washington Builds, market transformation, grant programs, and a tracking dashboard

2029 and beyond: Funding continues, with renewal decided by the legislature every five years.

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