Public Outreach Around an Energy Utility's Transition to an Integrated System Plan

A Washington energy utility is working to develop its Clean Energy Implementation Plan under the groundbreaking legislation of Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act. MFA planned and implemented public participation strategies to understand how the utility's customers wanted to benefit from the transition to clean electricity. This work focused on equity with a special emphasis on understanding the needs and barriers faced by vulnerable populations in the utility's service area. MFA supported the formation of the project’s Equity Advisory Group, advised on agenda and meeting design, facilitated small group activities, and tracked action items following each meeting.

MFA’s long-term role in this work and across programs at PSE has drawn upon a broad range of communications services including research, customer outreach services, virtual and in-person focus groups, online engagement, in-person open houses, and development of community ambassador toolkits. MFA’s expertise in cutting-edge equitable engagement practices has contributed toward the Washington energy utility becoming widely recognized as an industry leader in equity in the power system planning space.