Supplier Code of Conduct
Overview
This Supplier Code of Conduct (“Supplier Code”) describes Puget Sound Energy’s (“PSE” or “Company”) expectations of entities from which we obtain products or services to support our business. The Supplier Code also provides direction in the supplier selection process in a manner that is consistent with the Company's mission and business principles. This Supplier Code defines minimum standards of business conduct, commitment to integrity and requires Suppliers to comply with all laws, regulations and relevant corporate policies.
Suppliers, vendors and contractors (collectively “Suppliers”) are expected to operate within these principles of ethical conduct. They are also expected to be familiar with the business practices of their suppliers and subcontractors, and encourage those entities to operate within the principles. Failure to comply with these standards may result in the discontinuance of business relationships.
Responsibilities
PSE expects its Suppliers to maintain ethical and regulatory compliant business practices. PSE expects our Suppliers to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those pertaining to the safety, environment, employment, and child labor laws. In the process of identifying qualified Suppliers, 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 diverse suppliers.
- PSE supports diversity and equal opportunity in employment. Unlawful discrimination in the workplace is not tolerated. Suppliers 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. Suppliers are expected to conduct their operations in a way that protects the environment. Suppliers 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 Code of Conduct and expects Suppliers to value and maintain ethical business conduct.
- PSE will consider whether the prospective Supplier has a record of demonstrated compliance, i.e., the prospective Supplier 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. Suppliers are expected to provide a safe working environment that supports accident prevention and minimizes exposure to health risks. PSE is committed to provide a safe workplace for all employees, suppliers and the public that is free from threatening or violent acts. Suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable safety and health laws and regulations in the regions in which they operate. Suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable wage and hour labor laws and regulations governing employee compensation and working hours.
- PSE monitors Supplier performance and has contractual right to perform operational, compliance and financial audits as deemed appropriate, including, for instance, payments to subcontractors.
- PSE strives to be a good neighbor where we do business. PSE will endeavor to hire local labor when working in smaller communities.
In addition, the following goals may be considered 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.
Reporting Concerns
These standards are core to the success of PSE’s relationship with its Suppliers. As such, Suppliers have the responsibility to speak up if they have concerns about compliance or ethics issues, or suspect activities that may be a violation of any laws, regulations or this Code. Suppliers should reach out to their PSE contact to report concerns, or they may reach out to any of the Company’s compliance and ethics contacts: PSE’s toll-free third party helpline (866-236-4773); email (ethics@pse.com); or online (pse.alertline.com).
No Retaliation
PSE is committed to protecting the rights of individuals who report concerns. Retaliation against anyone who seeks advice, speaks up or is involved in an investigation is strictly prohibited.
Last updated: Febrary 29, 2024