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Responsible Contractor Guidelines

Overview


Puget Sound Energy's (PSE) Responsible Contractor Guidelines are aimed at providing information regarding the Company's expectations of entities with which we do business. The guidelines are aimed at providing direction in the contractor selection process in a manner that is consistent with the Company's fiduciary responsibility related to its investments.

Contractors are expected to do what is necessary to operate within these guidelines. Contractors are expected to be familiar with the business practices of their suppliers and sub-contractors and ensure that they operate within the guidelines. Failure to comply with these standards may result in the discontinuance of business relationships.

Guidelines


PSE expects all contractors to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, such as those pertaining to the environment, safety and employment, and child labor laws. In the process for selection of qualified contractors, the following factors may be taken into account:

  • PSE is committed to ensure that minority, women, veteran-owned and small business enterprises have the opportunity to compete for contracts awarded by the Company. PSE is a strong supporter of the Northwest Minority Business Council. PSE may consider whether the prospective contractor is a minority owned (including woman, minority, veteran-owned) business.
  • PSE supports diversity and equal opportunity in employment. Unlawful discrimination in the workplace is not tolerated. Contractors are expected to comply with all applicable laws concerning discrimination in hiring and employment practices.
  • PSE respects the environment and conducts its operations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Contractors are expected to conduct their operations in a way that protects the environment. Contractors are expected to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations in the regions in which they operate.
  • PSE strives to conduct its business honestly, fairly and ethically as outlined in its corporate ethics and compliance code. PSE will consider whether the prospective contractor has a record of demonstrated compliance, i.e., the prospective contractor has no record of significant violations of laws, rules or regulations pertinent to the work to be performed.
  • PSE is committed to the safety and health of its employees and conducts its operations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Contractors are expected to provide a safe working environment that supports accident prevention and minimizes exposure to health risks. Contractors are expected to comply with all applicable safety and health laws and regulations in the regions in which they operate.
  • PSE strives to be a good neighbor in the regions in which it does business. PSE will endeavor, when reasonably feasible, to hire local labor when working in smaller communities.
  • Contractors are expected to comply with all applicable wage and hour labor laws and regulations governing employee compensation and working hours.


In addition, the following guidelines also will be taken into consideration when awarding service contracts for large construction projects (e.g., more than $5 million for contracts, $1 million for subcontracts) of a non-emergency nature.

  • PSE is interested in ensuring trained and qualified personnel are available for the future and in building a durable partnership with key skilled craft stakeholders. We will notify key entities to assist us in identifying potential bidders: (1) when we are developing lists of preferred providers, and (2) when contracted services are needed for construction contracts in excess of $5 million.

To ensure cost-effective and timely service to utility customers, the following situations are not governed by the guidelines:

  • Emergency repairs or restoration, including but not limited to those related to a major storm, earthquake, or equipment failure.
  • Highly specialized work with few or no contractors qualified to provide desired work or service in the desired time period.