Puget Sound Energy sustainability commitments and reporting

November Wind Storm

Letter to our customers

To our customers without power: we know you are frustrated. The limited information we have been able to provide on-line, and the fact that you do not yet see our crews working in your neighborhood, is causing you to wonder what is happening.

This system was so strong that it was comparable to a hurricane and did unprecedented damage to our high-voltage transmission system – the poles and wires that carry electricity from where it is produced to the communities we serve. Without fixing those lines first, we cannot get power back into many neighborhoods. Much of this work takes place in hard to reach, remote parts of western Washington.

We have 143 line crews working around the clock – 3.5 times what we have usually, thanks to crews from other utilities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Canada.

Progress continues

Throughout the morning crews made steady progress restoring power to customers impacted by Tuesday’s windstorm. Notably, power has been restored to an additional 10 substations and 9 transmission line segments allowing restoration of power to many schools, critical infrastructure and medical facilities. However, we understand that for those still affected it remains incredibly challenging, especially with the cold conditions. For customers needing support, please check with your local government or call 211 to find warming shelters and other resources. King 5 also has this list of resources.

Corporate Sustainability

Puget Energy and its primary operating subsidiary Puget Sound Energy (PSE) are committed to doing what is right by striving to continuously improve the sustainability of our business while delivering cleaner, safe and reliable energy while keeping energy equity in mind. As an electric and natural gas utility, a key element of sustainability is our critical role in Washington’s clean energy transition required under the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS).

CETA requires that PSE’s electric supply to customers be net zero carbon by 2030 and 100% clean (renewable and non-emitting) by 2045. CCA establishes a GHG emissions cap-and-invest program that requires covered entities, including electric and gas utilities, to purchase allowances to cover their GHG emissions with a cap on available allowances that declines annually through 2050 to support Washington’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 95% by 2050. The CFS is designed to reduce GHG emissions in the transportation sector and PSE’s role is providing lower-carbon intensity fuels and supporting transportation electrification.

The following provides links to documents that describe PSE’s overall longer-term and specific near-term strategies and report on our progress.

Strategy: Helping drive Washington’s clean energy transition

Pathway to Beyond Net Zero Carbon by 2045
Clean Energy Planning

Integrated Resource Planning to access most current resource planning documents
Equity Advisory Group

Progress: Sustainability reporting and disclosures

Sustainability Report: 2023RY
Greenhouse Gas Policy Statement
2023 SASB Index – aligned with Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework
2023 GRI Index – referenced to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework
2023 Electric Operations Sustainability Metrics – Edison Electric Institute template
2023 Gas Operations Sustainability Metrics – American Gas Association template

Adaptation: Climate resiliency

TCFD Report – aligned with Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidance
Grid Modernization webpage
Wildfire Mitigation and Response Preparedness

Sustainable financing

The Clean Electricity Transition

Puget Sound Energy recognizes that climate change is one of the biggest existential threats facing our planet today. That’s why we put our stake in the ground with our aspirational goal to be a Beyond Net Zero Carbon company by 2045.

Building an Equitable and Inclusive Clean Energy Future

Last year, PSE convened an Equity Advisory Group (EAG) to help guide our transition to 100% clean electricity by 2045.

Camp Korey receives Green Power Solar Grant

With solar panels installed through a Green Power Solar Grant from PSE, Camp Korey can put the money it saves on annual electricity costs toward critical programs and services for its campers.

Our SBDI Program helps Kent store

Puget Sound Energy’s Small Business Direct Install Program (SBDI) provides energy efficiency upgrades like lighting for small businesses in our service area.

New Community Solar site brings renewable energy to Bonney Lake and beyond

The 450 kWac Community Solar site installed on the roof of the Peaking Storage Reservoir in Bonney Lake offers PSE customers a chance to support and benefit from local renewable energy.