Extend and Improve Washington's Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program

I support local businesses in Washington State that install distributed and community-based renewable energy projects. Eastern Washington in particular has great wind and solar resources, and there are many Washingtonians who would like to invest in small-scale renewable energy systems to reduce their electric bills and lower their operating costs.

I urge you to support legislation to strengthen and extend incentives for on-site and community wind and solar through the Washington Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program (CRP) without weakening other existing renewable energy policies, following recommendations endorsed by the Local Energy Alliance of Washington.

This would increase competition in the energy sector and let customers choose the renewable energy technology that best suits their local resources. Expanded technology neutralizing CRP incentives with consumer protection measures would allow more Washingtonians to participate cost-effectively in a wider range of locations.

The CRP was enacted by the legislature not only to encourage renewable energy, but also to give all Washingtonians the opportunity to participate in our energy future. I urge you to prioritize passing a CRP extension this session and ensure that distributed wind and solar can continue playing a valuable role in diversifying Washington's energy infrastructure.