Charting Washington’s path to a clean energy future
Local Energy Strategy
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Energy Decarbonization Pathways
Client
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
Population
7,800,000 (2020)
Schedule
2021-2023
The Problem
Washington State is legally required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 95% below 1990 levels by 2050, but the state’s investor-owned electric and gas utilities lacked a clear roadmap for how to get there, what the transition would cost, and who it would affect.
The Problem
What are the most feasible and equitable pathways for Washington’s utilities to help the state achieve its ambitious climate targets?
95%
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions required by 2050 (below 1990 levels)
7.8M
Washington residents depending on the electric and gas utility system
The Solution
SSG identify three viable decarbonization pathways for Washington’s utilities through comprehensive energy and emissions scenario modeling, cost-benefit and equity analysis, and public engagement. This gave regulators and legislators the evidence they needed to chart a course toward a clean, affordable, and equitable energy future.
SSG modeled three distinct pathways – Electrification, Alternative Fuels, and a Hybrid approach – simulating energy supply and demand across all 39 Washington counties from 2019 to 2050. SSG also led a robust public engagement process, consulting utilities, government agencies, environmental groups, and equity-seeking organizations to ensure the analysis reflected the concerns of Washington’s diverse communities.
The Outcome
SSG’s analysis found that in all three pathways:
>$28B
in net societal benefits compared to a business-as-planned scenario
$2.1B
in avoided health costs annually by 2050 from reduced air pollution
~$22B
in savings from avoided climate damage (Social Cost of Carbon) per pathway
*as compared to a business-as-planned scenario. See the Washington Energy Decarbonization Pathways report (2023) for more details.
Outcome
Key Takeaways
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