Business Development
Susan St Germain
(206) 256-6114

 
Utilities and Energy
ELECTRICITY
4.27
Cents/Kwh Average Price
HYDRO-POWER
73%
of Electricity Production






 

Businesses and industries located in Washington state enjoy the benefits of a reliable and competitive power supply. Washington state is a leader in capitalizing on energy efficiency opportunities to extend our supplies and keep prices competitive into the future.

Hydro-electricity is at the core of Washington's power system. Washington state is served by the largest coordinated hydro-electrical system in the world and is the leading hydro-electric power producer in the nation. Hydro-electric power accounts for nearly 3/4 of state electricity generation. Most of this comes from the power of the Columbia River. The federally operated Grand Coulee hydro-eclectric power plant on the Columbia River is the highest capacity electric plant in the United States. 

The Columbia River also provides the cheapest electricity in the U.S. to those in the Pacific Northwest. The average price of industrial electricity (energy charge) in Washington state is 4.27 cents/kwh.

 
Tax Incentives (TIAP)

The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is sponsored by a coalition of public interest nonprofit groups, government agencies, and other organizations in the energy efficiency field.  This program is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Washington's Renewable Energy Portfolio
In Washington, 15% of new electricity generation will be generated through new renewable energy sources such as wind, tidal, bio-fuel, bio-mass, and solar sources according to initiative 937 which passed in 2006. Washington also has a renewable fuel standard, which requires motor fuels to be comprised of at least 2% ethanol and/or biodiesel. Once 2% of fuels are met by in state feed stocks the requirement will rise to 5%.

The net result of these initiatives, will be to contribute to the availability of an ongoing sustainable and cost-effective power supply in the state of Washington. 
 
 
Electric Power

Washington state's economy benefits from cost-effective and reliable electricity supplies since the beginning of major hydro-electric development in the 1930's. The Washington State Department of Commerce Energy division provides an overview of electricity data for the state:

  • Hydro-power provides 73% of Washington's electric power.
  • Washington state is served by both public and private utilities. The state's fuel mix is changing as new power supplies are developed.
  • Washington state will  continue to be served by increasingly reliable and competitive electric power supplies. Washington energy prices compare favorably with neighboring states.
 
Natural Gas

Natural gas pipelines serve Washington state from British Columbia and Alberta, providing competitive prices for commercial buildings. Building of liquefied gas terminals (LNG) are currently being explored, which would create access to additional supplies. 

The Washington State Department of Commerce Energy division provides detailed information on natural gas supplies in Washington state.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2009 Copyrighted Material International Trade and Economic Development, Department of Commerce
128 10th Avenue SW, Olympia WA 98504-2525 (360) 725-4100 more contact info