The bill aims to improve access to community solar projects in Washington State by creating a structured framework for their development and management. It introduces new definitions and requirements, including the establishment of community solar bill credits that provide subscribers with monetary credits on their electricity bills based on their share of the solar project's output. The legislation mandates that at least 50% of each community solar project's capacity be subscribed by residential customers, with a minimum of 30% allocated specifically to low-income subscribers. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of community solar project managers and subscription managers, ensuring transparency and consumer protections for participants.

Key amendments include the requirement for retail electric bills subjected to net-crediting to clearly display subscription fees and net-credit equivalents, as well as the obligation for investor-owned utilities to remit subscription fees to community solar subscription managers within 60 days of energy generation. The bill also exempts community solar capacity allocated to low-income subscribers from administrative fees and mandates the retirement of renewable energy credits on behalf of subscribers. New definitions and requirements for community solar project managers are established, including the necessity for a valid business license and registration with the commission, along with compliance with consumer protection laws and penalties for violations. Overall, the legislation seeks to promote clean energy access, job creation, and environmental sustainability while ensuring vulnerable populations are included in the transition to renewable energy sources.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 80.28.370, 80.28.375, 82.16.182