Bill > HB2253

This bill aims to promote fair access to community solar programs in Washington state. Key provisions include: - Defining new terms related to community solar, such as "community solar program," "community solar project," "community solar project manager," "community solar subscription manager," and "low-income" customers. - Requiring that at least 50% of each utility's community solar capacity be subscribed by low-income customers or low-income service providers. - Directing the Utilities and Transportation Commission to adopt a valuation methodology for community solar bill credits that recognizes the full value these projects provide to the grid and customers. - Establishing consumer protections for community solar subscribers, such as prohibiting upfront sign-up fees and early termination charges. - Allowing consumer-owned utilities to voluntarily adopt the community solar program rules or develop their own, provided they meet certain requirements. - Requiring periodic reviews of the community solar program to assess its impacts and effectiveness. The overall goal is to make community solar more accessible, especially for low-income households, and ensure they receive fair value and benefits from participating in these projects.