HB1232 – Lets utilities count old hydro as meeting I-937’s requirements for adding new renewables
Prime Sponsor – Representative Griffey (R, 35th District, Mason County)
Current status – Referred to Environment & Energy. Reintroduced and retained in present status for 2020 session.
Next step would be – Scheduling a hearing.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.

Summary –

The Energy Independence Act, approved by State voters in 2006 I-937, requires utilities with 25,000 or more customers to increase the percentage of renewable energy in their power supplies in three stages, reaching 20% by 2020. Power from existing hydroelectric facilities was excluded from the requirement, except for new additions to the supply of renewable power created by some improvements to the generating efficiency of existing dams.

The bill would allow utilities to count any hydroelectric power they sell, no matter how long it has been around, as meeting this requirement for adding new renewable energy.