CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION relating to the City Light Department; documenting compliance with the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
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WHEREAS, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) was enacted to encourage (1) the conservation of energy supplied by electric utilities, (2) the optimal efficiency of electric utility facilities and resources, and (3) equitable rates to electric consumers; and
WHEREAS, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Jobs Act) amended Section 111(d) of PURPA to add two new “must consider” standards for nonregulated utilities such as Seattle City Light concerning demand response and transportation electrification; and
WHEREAS, the Jobs Act amended Section 112(b) of PURPA to require nonregulated utilities such as Seattle City Light to commence consideration by November 15, 2022, and determine whether to adopt the demand response and transportation electrification standards by November 15, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Jobs Act amended Sections 112(g) and (h) of PURPA to provide that the requirement to consider the new federal standards does not apply if a state has taken prior action to adopt the standards (or comparable standards) or the nonregulated utility has conducted a proceeding to consider the standards (or comparable standards) by November 15, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Seattle City Light has completed its assessment of its obligations regarding the two new federal standards in accordance with PURPA as amended by the Jobs Act; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:
Section 1. The City Council acknowledges and affirms Seattle City Light’s assessment of the two new federal standards on demand response and transportation electrification as set forth in the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Jobs Act).
Section 2. The City Council acknowledges and affirms Seattle City Light’s determination that these two proposed federal standards have been addressed by prior Washington State and/or Seattle City Light action and no further consideration or determination is required.
Section 3. Seattle City Light’s report on its Consideration and Determination of New PURPA Standards, which explains Seattle City Light’s determination regarding the two new federal standards, is attached to this resolution as Attachment 1.
Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2023, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of _________________________, 2023.
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President ____________ of the City Council
The Mayor concurred the ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
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Bruce A. Harrell, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
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Scheereen Dedman, City Clerk
(Seal)
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Consideration and Determination of New PURPA Standards