Energy

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.

Electric Power

Washington State's economy has benefited from cost-effective and reliable electricity supplies since the beginning of major hydroelectric development in the 1930's.

Hydropower provides seventy-three percent 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.

Electric Price Comparison (cents per kilowatt hour)

Area	Commercial Rates	Industrial Rates
U.S. Total	9.41	9.08
California	11.18	11.55
Colorado	7.34	7.04
Idaho	5.08	4.68
Montana	7.68	7.39
Oregon	7.15	6.78
Texas	9.86	9.45
Washington	6.69	6.91

Source: Energy Information Administration Updated 2008

Energy Efficiency Resources

Over the past two decades the Pacific Northwest has captured over 2,000 megawatts of cost-effective efficiency improvements by updating building codes, offering technical assistance and investing in efficiency measures.

The Energy Ideas Clearinghouse operated by the Washington State University provides a wide range of technical services on energy efficiency. For more information call (800) 872-3568.

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is a regional entity that works to transform the market for energy efficiency. For more information call (503) 827-8416.

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Council is a trade association that represents the energy efficiency industry and can help identify specialists in analysis, design, construction and equipment. For information call (206) 292-5592.

The Biofuel Tax Exemption July 1, 2003, a new B&O tax classification and rate for qualifying biofuel manufacturers went into effect for sellers of biofuel.

For information about energy conservation and efficiency, please visit Washington State Energy Tips.

Natural Gas

Natural gas pipelines serve Washington State from British Columbia and Alberta. The table below shows a comparison of commercial prices. Building of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals are being explored, which could create access to additional supplies.

Natural Gas Commercial Price (Dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet)

Area	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
U.S. Total	6.63	8.4	9.43	11.34	11.99	11.31
California	6.07	8.15	8.63	10.69	10.43	10.20
Colorado	4.82	5.93	7.48	9.38	9.61	8.01
Idaho	7.73	6.93	8.37	9.86	11.49	10.79
Montana	5.37	7.08	9.15	10.72	11.12	9.81
Oregon	7.86	7.91	9.37	10.42	12.94	12.38
Texas	5.49	7.59	8.36	10.47	10.25	9.87
Washington	8.24	7.38	9.40	10.43	11.97	12.37

Source: Energy Information Administration Updated 2008