Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will now list Climate Commitment Act (CCA) charges as a separate line on its natural gas bills, following a reversal by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). The change comes after the UTC had blocked the itemization, citing consumer confusion,and after lobbying by Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center.

UTC’s Initial Block of CCA Itemization

In early 2024, the UTC denied PSE permission to separate CCA fees from other charges, arguing that a distinct line would confuse customers.. The commission’s decision was criticized by advocacy groups who said it obscured the true cost of the state’s CO2 cap‑and‑trade program.

Todd Myers Calls the Veto “Outrageous”

Myers , vice president for research at the Washington Policy Center , described the original ruling as "one of the most outrageous things" he had seen. he accused the UTC of hiding information for political reasons, noting the irony that the commission required PSE to display state‑funded rebate information prominently while blocking the CCA line.

Governor Ferguson’s New UTC Commissioners Spark Change

After Governor Bob Ferguson appointed new UTC commissioners, Myers lobbied for a reversal, arguing that opacity hindered public understanding and state agencies’ ability to track the CCA’s financial effect. The commission reversed course in December, and as of June, PSE customers can see the CCA charges broken out separately.

Why the Transparency Matter for Consumers

Myers emphasized that providing the information allows people to form their own opinions on the policy. The move restores a level of clarity that many argued was essential for consumers to understand how climate policy translates into their monthly bills.

Unanswered Questions About the CCA’s Financial Impact

While the reevrsal restores itemization, the exact dollar impact of the CCA on average PSE customers remains unclear. How will the separate line affect bill totals over time, and will it influence consumer support for the cap‑and‑trade program? The UTC has yet to release detailed cost projections.