Jan. 19, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. A proposed “green” utility bill could raise power costs for Redmond and Eastside residents, according to a Redmond Patch newsletter published Saturday and featured as a top headline on the site’s homepage.
The Patch AM article highlights the bill as a distinct development from prior Puget Sound Energy (PSE) rate hikes, which include approximately 12% increases for electric rates and 7% for natural gas, effective early 2026.
Detailed content from the Patch story was not accessible, but the teaser positions it as significant local news potentially affecting utility bills in the area served by PSE.
Broader Context on Washington Utility Rates and Green Energy
Recent developments underscore rising costs linked to state clean energy policies. Avista Utilities is seeking about a 25% residential electric rate increase by 2030, attributed to the state’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), which mandates costlier renewables like wind power.
In the 2026 WA Legislature, HB 1329 aims to amend CETA rules on wholesale power sourcing, while Rep. Stephanie Barnard’s bill examines clean energy plans to mitigate cost spikes and reliability risks. Proposals for a wildfire fund have also drawn criticism for potentially hiking electricity rates through CETA ties.
No coverage of the specific Patch-reported bill appeared in broader outlets like the Seattle Times, KIRO 7, or KING 5, nor on X, as of Sunday.
 rate hikes, which include approximately 12% increases for electric rates and 7% for natural gas, effective early 2026.){kind=link}