Puget Sound Energy is the largest electric utility in the Northwest and is one of the biggest climate polluters in the state. It is also the key to ending climate change in Washington State. That’s why the Washington state Sierra Club is focused on three goals: shutting down PSE’s Colstrip coal plant and LNG plant, holding PSE to a fair and accessible decision-making process, and moving fossil fuel out of PSE’s electric and gas utilities.
PSE is the largest owner of the largest coal plant in the American West, the Colstrip coal plant in Colstrip, Montana. The new 100% clean electricity law -- the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA, SB 5116) -- requires PSE to eliminate all coal electricity for its customers by the end of 2025. When legislators passed this law, everyone knew this would lead to the retirement of Colstrip and because of that, it was touted as the single greatest carbon reduction in the Northwest. Now, PSE is trying to get around the law by selling half of its remaining shares to NorthWestern Energy in Montana which intends to run the plant until 2042.
It’s bad enough that PSE falsely promotes itself as an eco-friendly utility, but PSE also has a shameful history of not being inclusive in their decision-making. They lack strong outreach to disadvantaged communities, ignore requests for information and withhold critical data. Sierra Club and its allies have been working for years to have PSE’s decision-making be more accountable to its captive customers. But because PSE enjoys monopoly status for being a sole provider of electric and gas services, customers have no choice. This is a dangerous situation when too many key decisions are made behind closed doors.
No company is more important than PSE for ending climate pollution in Washington State. By maximizing energy efficiency in its buildings, fulfilling the promise of 100% clean electricity, and massive electrification of buildings and vehicles, PSE’s cooperation is integral to building a carbon-free future. Sierra Club has a long-term campaign to move all fossil fuels out of PSE electric and gas utilities, to prevent the operation of their LNG facility in Tacoma, and to bring true energy democracy to PSE decision-making.
Get Involved:
(Select "Stopping Fossil Fuels" and mention "PSE" to get involved)
Puget Sound Energy's Tacoma LNG Project is NOT in the public interest
Big Win on Colstrip Coal Plant
Keeping the lights on and electricity bills stable during the pandemic
Big Win: The Lights Will Stay on for Washington Families
Success! Gov. Inslee To Extend Utility Shutoff Moratorium Until October 15!
Trans Mountain Fight is Still On
The fossil fuel industry is organizing in the Pacific Northwest
Keeping the Lights on for Washington’s Families
The Gas Industry is Beginning the Five Stages of Death and Dying
