Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 80.80.070 — Consumer-owned utilities — Baseload electric generation — Long-term financial commitments., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 80.80.070. Consumer-owned utilities — Baseload electric generation — Long-term financial commitments.
(1) No consumer-owned utility may enter into a long-term financial commitment unless the baseload electric generation supplied under such a long-term financial commitment complies with the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard established under RCW
80.80.040.
(2) The governing board shall review and make a determination on any long-term financial commitment by the utility, pursuant to this chapter and after consultation with the department, to determine whether the baseload electric generation to be supplied under that long-term financial commitment complies with the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard established under RCW
80.80.040. No consumer-owned utility may enter into a long-term financial commitment unless the baseload electric generation to be supplied under that long-term financial commitment complies with the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard established under RCW
80.80.040.
(3) In confirming that a long-term financial commitment is for baseload electric generation, the governing board shall consider the design of the power plant and the intended use of the power plant based upon the electricity purchase contract, if any, permits necessary for the operation of the power plant, and any other matter the governing board determines is relevant under the circumstances.
(4) The governing board may provide a case-by-case exemption from the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard to address: (a) Unanticipated electric system reliability needs; or (b) catastrophic events or threat of significant financial harm that may arise from unforeseen circumstances.
(5) The governing board shall apply the procedures adopted by the department to verify the emissions of greenhouse gases from baseload electric generation under RCW
80.80.040, and may request assistance from the department in doing so.
(6) For consumer-owned utilities, the auditor is responsible for auditing compliance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter that apply to those utilities and the attorney general is responsible for enforcing that compliance.
(7) This section does not apply to long-term financial commitments for the purchase of coal transition power with termination dates consistent with the applicable dates in RCW
80.80.040(3)(c).
Notes
Findings—Purpose—2011 c 180: See note following RCW
80.80.010.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 80.80.070
What does Revised Code of Washington § 80.80.070 cover?
Section 80.80.070 ("Consumer-owned utilities — Baseload electric generation — Long-term financial commitments.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 80.80.070?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 80.80.070" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 80.80.070 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
