Jan. 18, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. The Washington state House passed HB 1302 on Thursday, authorizing local governments to waive utility connection charges for industries pursuing green technologies and industrial symbiosis, potentially shifting costs to other ratepayers, including Redmond residents served by Puget Sound Energy (PSE).
Sponsored by Rep. Julio Cortes (D-Everett), the bill aims to promote alternative energy and energy-saving innovations by clustering organizations to use each other’s waste for production. It passed with support from all Democrats present and 17 Republicans, opposed by 21 Republicans, before receiving a first reading in the Senate on Friday and referral to the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee.
A Patch.com newsletter published Saturday warned Redmond residents of possible power cost increases from the debated measure, tying it to broader state affordability discussions.
House GOP Leader Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) criticized the bill during floor debate and in a Friday interview, arguing it distorts affordability by burdening everyday customers.
“The road to inflation and the lack of affordability, like the road to hell, is paved with good intentions.”
Walsh added that waiving high connection charges—often hundreds of thousands of dollars—for select green projects runs up costs for other utility users without acknowledgment.
“We’re going to be focused on affordability for all Washingtonians,” said Deputy Majority Leader Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), defining it as limiting cost increases for essentials like heating homes.
Cortes defended the measure: “We all know that our environmental health is facing some major challenges. Thankfully, there are a lot of really great organizations which are working on alternative energy options, energy saving opportunities and innovative ways.” Rep. Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) noted it creates incentives for green development while maintaining charges for others.
Redmond’s PSE has faced prior scrutiny over green program costs. In 2023, a PSE rate hike proposal tied to its voluntary Green Direct Program for solar and wind purchases would have raised average electric bills by about $16 monthly; the state Attorney General opposed it as excessive.
Local Reddit users have voiced frustrations, with r/eastside posts in March 2025 and r/redmond in September 2025 reporting bills doubling due to green energy initiatives.
The bill echoes related measures like SB 5662 on utility charges. Coverage also appeared on Yahoo News.
