CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to the City Light Department; granting authority for the Department to offer incentive programs in the electrification of transportation for its customers, including the promotion of electric vehicle adoption and advertising programs to promote the utility’s services, incentives, or rebates; and adding a new Chapter 21.53 to the Seattle Municipal Code.
body
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle, through its City Light Department (“City Light”), is interested in supporting the electrification of transportation across its service territory; and
WHEREAS, in its 2019 session the Washington State Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, SHB 1512 (the “legislation”) relating to electrification of transportation by amending or creating new sections to chapter 35.92 RCW; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature found that “programs for the electrification of transportation have the potential to allow electric utilities to optimize the use of electric grid infrastructure, improve the management of electric loads, and better manage the integration of variable renewable energy resources” (§1(1) of the legislation); and
WHEREAS, the Legislature found that “state policy can achieve the greatest return on investment in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality by expediting the transition to alternative fuel vehicles, including electric vehicles” (§1(2) of the legislation); and
WHEREAS, the Legislature further recognized that each electric utility, depending on its unique circumstances, can determine an appropriate role in the development of electrification of transportation infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the legislation created what was codified as RCW 35.92.450, which provides that the “governing authority of an electric utility formed under this chapter may adopt an electrification of transportation plan”; and
WHEREAS, RCW 35.92.450 also allows for an electric utility to offer “incentive programs in the electrification of transportation for its customers, including the promotion of electric vehicle adoption and advertising programs to promote the utility’s services, incentives, or rebates”, provided that “utility outreach and investment in the electrification of transportation infrastructure does not increase net costs to ratepayers” consistent with rules set forth in RCW 35.92.450; and
WHEREAS, City Light has created a Transportation Electrification Strategic Investment Plan aligned with the legislation and the RCW; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Electrification Strategic Investment Plan has been developed using best practice methods in concert with a wide range of stakeholders and community groups; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the Transportation Electrification Strategic Investment Plan represents a key milestone in City Light’s overall transition to the “utility of the future” that meets its customer-owners' needs how they choose and in an efficient, innovative, and future-focused manner rooted in equity and social justice; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the Transportation Electrification Strategic Investment Plan and the results of customer and stakeholder engagement; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the terms and conditions set forth in this ordinance and has determined that the supporting reasoning is sound and prudent; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A new Chapter 21.53 is added to the Seattle Municipal Code as follows:
CHAPTER 21.53 TRANSPORTATION ELECTRIFICATION
21.53.010 Short title
This Chapter 21.53 shall constitute the “Transportation Electrification Authority” and may be cited as such.
21.53.015 Authority for transportation electrification
The Department is authorized to offer incentive programs in the electrification of transportation for its customers, including the promotion of electric vehicle adoption and advertising programs to promote the utility’s programs, services, incentives or rebates, provided that City Light’s outreach and investment in the electrification of transportation infrastructure does not increase net costs to ratepayers consistent with rules set forth in RCW 35.92.450.
21.53.020 Budget authority
Budget authority for transportation electrification-related infrastructure investments, incentives, or rebates will be included in the Department’s submitted budget(s) and consistent with RCW 35.92.450.
21.53.025 Reporting
The Department shall submit an annual report to the Mayor and City Council on progress of implementation and further development of the overall Transportation Electrification Strategic Investment Plan.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten days after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Section 1.04.020.
Passed by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2020, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of _________________________, 2020.
____________________________________
President ____________ of the City Council
Approved by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2020.
____________________________________
Jenny A. Durkan, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2020.
____________________________________
Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk
(Seal)