WA HB1253

Consumer-owned electric utilities (first-class cities, public utility districts, and joint operating agencies) gain expanded authority to enter joint agreements for development, use, or ownership of electric generating plants, renewable energy facilities, energy storage facilities, and transmission facilities

Eligible partners for these agreements now include any persons or entities, in addition to other utilities, regulated companies, rural electric cooperatives, municipal corporations, and federal agencies

Agreements may take the form of joint venture agreements and limited liability company agreements, with each participant owning a percentage of common facilities proportional to their financial contribution

Removes outdated provisions specific to coal-fired thermal electric generating plants placed in operation before July 1, 1975

Effective date: July 27, 2025; passed House 94-1, Senate 49-0, signed by Governor Ferguson May 15, 2025