Bill > SB5515

This bill aims to enhance and expand community solar programs in Washington State by establishing comprehensive regulations and guidelines for developing, managing, and participating in community solar projects. The bill defines community solar projects as solar photovoltaic energy systems with a generating capacity up to 5,000 kilowatts that provide bill credits to subscribers, with specific requirements such as having at least three subscribers and ensuring that no single customer owns more than 49 percent of the project's generating capacity. A key focus is on equitable access, mandating that at least 50 percent of a project's generating capacity must be subscribed by residential customers, with 30 percent reserved for low-income subscribers or low-income service providers. The bill requires the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to develop rules for community solar programs, including methodologies for valuing bill credits, consumer protections, and project certification processes. It also establishes provisions for net-crediting, subscriber transferability, and requires periodic program reviews to assess the number of facilities, subscribers, and program effectiveness. Additionally, the bill seeks to recognize the broader benefits of community solar projects, such as grid reliability, environmental attributes, and potential economic opportunities, while creating a framework that supports fair and transparent participation for various stakeholders, including low-income households, renters, and communities traditionally underserved by renewable energy initiatives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5515&Year=2025&Initiative=false