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Ellensburg adopts Clean Energy Implementation Plan for 2026—29, sets efficiency targets
Summary
Council adopted the city's Clean Energy Implementation Plan (2026—29) as required by the Clean Energy Transformation Act, setting a 4-year energy-efficiency target (~3,200 MWh) and aiming for about 91% clean energy supply over the period largely through Bonneville Power Administration resources; the equity analysis identified vulnerable low-income households and proposed targeted programs.
The City Council adopted Ellensburg's Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) for 2026—29 on Nov. 17, laying out how the city intends to meet state clean-energy targets and address equity concerns.
Nicole Baker, the city's Energy and Resources Manager, introduced consultants from Lighthouse Energy Consulting and Progress Consulting. The consultants summarized CETA requirements and the CEIP's targets: about 91% of retail load is expected to be served by clean energy over the next four years primarily through existing Bonneville Power Administration allocations; a renewable-energy target of nearly 778,000 MWh and a four-year energy-efficiency target of just over 3,200 MWh were identified. The CEIP set no demand-response target for the period because the consultants concluded the available demand-response measures were not currently cost-effective in the city service area.
An equity analysis found no state-defined "highly impacted communities" inside the city limits but identified vulnerable populations through public outreach and organizational surveys (households in unaffordable housing, low-income families and low-income families in inefficient homes). The CEIP proposes continuing energy-efficiency and weatherization programs, enhanced outreach and targeted low-income programs and program tracking to measure impacts.
Council moved and adopted the CEIP for submittal to the Washington State Department of Commerce; staff noted this is a community plan that will evolve and be refined as implementation proceeds.
Ending: The plan will be submitted to the Department of Commerce; staff will implement energy-efficiency programs and track indicators tied to equity and participation.
