The bill seeks to improve access to community solar projects in Washington State, particularly for low-income households and vulnerable populations, by introducing new definitions and requirements. It establishes community solar bill credits, which are monetary credits allocated to subscribers based on their share of the project's electricity output. The legislation mandates that at least 50% of the capacity in each community solar project be subscribed by residential customers, with a minimum of 30% reserved for low-income subscribers. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) in updating rules, conducting reviews, and adopting a valuation methodology for these credits, while also ensuring consumer protections such as standardized disclosure forms and prohibitions on upfront fees for residential subscribers.

The bill amends existing laws regarding community solar project management, specifying the roles and responsibilities of project managers and subscription managers. It requires retail electric bills to display subscription fees and net-credit equivalents, mandates timely remittance of subscription fees by investor-owned utilities, and exempts low-income subscriber capacity from administrative fees. Furthermore, it introduces new requirements for community solar project managers, including the necessity for a valid business license and proof of insurance, while allowing the commission to impose application fees that do not impede participation from nonprofits and small businesses. Violations of these regulations are classified as unfair or deceptive acts under consumer protection laws.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 80.28.370, 80.28.375, 82.16.182