Preapplication

Typically, preapplication starts with a meeting to discuss a planned energy facility. Our goal is to begin an ongoing conversation to help identify stakeholders and to avoid unnecessary costs and delays. By the end of the preapplication process, an application that passed through the preapplication stage is more likely to be ready for our official review.

Key resources for the preapplication process include:

• A preapplication review form (link, 1.1 MB pdf) designed for use by developers who intend to begin formal preapplication procedures.
• Links to a continually updated list of state resources (link, webpage) that establish and define guidelines for various renewable energy and transmission project types.
• A list of contacts for federal and state agency representatives (link, webpage) who may be critical in preparing a complete application for site certification (ASC).

Benefits of preapplication

Preapplication discussions allow us to point out potential issues with facility plans and to identify additional data or studies that a potential applicant may need to prepare before applying.

A preapplication review can help prevent: 

• Major changes to facility plans
• Delays in the conduct of studies that can only happen during certain seasons
• Expensive solutions to avoidable problems
• Missed opportunities or delays in engaging state and local agencies, tribes, and other interested groups
• The need to find a different location
• Canceling the project

Preapplication tracks

We offer two tracks, or options, for preapplication reviews. Neither requires a potential applicant to submit an application to get started. Instead, each track can help a potential applicant prepare to apply.

1. Track 1: A review from our staff only - This option only involves a few hours of staff time. It doesn't require any studies or help from contractors. 
2. Track 2: A review from outside experts - This option requires meetings with our staff, as well as help from consultants or contracted agencies. It may include formal studies, reviews from subject matter experts (SMEs), and additional administrative work. If a potential applicant chooses this option, they’ll need to pay a $10,000 deposit and to submit a preapplication review form (link, 1.1 MB pdf). The deposit counts toward the $50,000 deposit due upon submission of an application.

Note: By law, any information submitted to us during the preapplication review process becomes public record. Unless federal or state law protects this information, anyone may ask to see and copy it. To learn more, read the Washington State Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW) (link, webpage). 

Requirements for electrical transmission facilities only

• Potential applicants make a $10,000 deposit.
• Potential applicants meet with us to prepare a pre-application plan.
• We hold at least one information public meeting within 60 days after a potential applicant has paid the deposit.