(1)(a) Each qualifying utility must administer incentive payments for the state energy performance standard early adoption incentive program established in RCW 19.27A.220 on behalf of its customers who are eligible building owners of covered commercial buildings, multifamily residential buildings, or other tier 2 covered buildings consistent with the requirements of this section. Any thermal energy company, electric utility, or gas company not otherwise required to administer incentive payments may voluntarily participate by providing notice to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department.

(b) Nothing in this subsection (1) requires a qualifying utility to administer incentive payments for the state energy performance standard early adoption incentive program established in RCW 19.27A.220 for which the qualifying utility is not allowed a credit against taxes due under this chapter, as described in RCW 82.16.185.

(2) An entity that administers the payments for the incentive program under this section must administer the program in a manner that is consistent with the standard established and any rules adopted by the department under RCW 19.27A.210, 19.27A.220, and 19.27A.250.

(3) Upon receiving notification from the department that a building owner has qualified for an incentive payment, each entity that administers incentive payments under this section must make incentive payments to its customers who are eligible building owners of covered commercial buildings or multifamily residential buildings who qualify as provided under this section and at rates specified in RCW 19.27A.220(8). When a building is served by more than one entity administering incentive payments, incentive payments must be proportional to the energy use intensity reduction of the participating entities' fuel.

(4) The participation by an entity in the administration of incentive payments under this section does not relieve the entity of any obligation that may otherwise exist or be established to provide customer energy efficiency programs or incentives.

(5) An entity that administers the payments for the incentive program under this section is not liable for excess payments made in reliance on amounts reported by the department as due and payable as provided under RCW 19.27A.220, if such amounts are later found to be abnormal or inaccurate due to no fault of the business.

Findings—Intent—2022 c 177: See note following RCW 19.27A.200.

Finding—Intent—2019 c 285: See note following RCW 19.27A.210.