Centralia Coal Transition Board
The Energy Technology Board awards grant to support energy efficient building improvements
Centralia, (June 30, 2025) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant in the amount of $285,000.00 to CT Publishing, a longstanding newspaper publisher for Centralia and surrounding areas. The funding will support modernizing the building through critical energy-efficient upgrades to improve building performance, reduce energy consumption, and align with Washington State sustainability goals.
The project includes five key improvements including a lighting system upgrade with LED and Smart Controls, HVAC system efficiency upgrade, roof and insulation upgrades, windows and door energy efficiency improvements, and solar readiness and battery storage solutions for energy backup and grid independence.
CT Publishing LLC owns and operates three well-established newspapers serving Lewis County, Thurston County, and Clark County, Washington. The organization is dedicated to modernizing its operations, enhancing sustainability efforts, and ensuring long-term viability through energy-efficient facility upgrades.
The Energy Technology Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington. This agreement allowed for the Centralia plant to move away from coal-fired operations with one unit retiring in December 2020 and the second unit in December 2025. TransAlta is investing $55 million into Lewis and South Thurston counties and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition Boards.
About Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards
Overview of the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;
Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;
Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.