The Clean Energy Fund grants were awarded to five utilities in the state that will match the state funding at a minimum ratio of 1 to 1.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced earlier this week $12.6 million in Clean Energy Fund grants to five utilities in the state. The announcement was made in Seattle, at the Northwest Regional Clean Energy Innovation Partnership Workshop, hosted by the University of Washington and the Pacific Northwest National Lab.
The Governor joined U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell to discuss the Pacific Northwest’s role as an international leader in developing the technologies to power a growing 21st century clean energy economy.
The grants will fund projects proposed by Avista, Seattle City Light, Orcas Power and Light, Snohomish County Public Utility District and Energy Northwest. The utilities and their partners will match the state funding at a minimum ratio of 1 to 1.
“With these awards, our leading utilities will demonstrate how to integrate battery storage with renewable energy and stand-alone energy systems, train the workforce to build and maintain these systems, and lead the industry into the clean-energy future,” Inslee said.
The Clean Energy Fund strengthens Washington’s position at the forefront of a clean, low-carbon energy future. Through the fund, the state invests in technologies that save energy, cut costs, reduce emissions and create good-paying jobs.
“Gov. Inslee and the state of Washington continue to champion clean energy innovation. Driving innovation is at the core of how our country maintains its leadership in developing clean, low-carbon energy technologies,” said Moniz. “I was pleased to join the governor to highlight innovation, as the Department of Energy is an active partner with Washington and many other states to enhance the U.S. energy security, climate resilience and economic leadership.”
“We know the future will look different as new technologies continue to change the energy landscape. Today, customers are buying, installing and using distributed energy resources, and actually participating in the grid,” said Heather Rosentrater, Avista VP of energy delivery. “We are committed to ensuring our system will be flexible enough to meet the changing expectations and future needs of consumers.”
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