Solar Consumer Protections
Agency
Commerce, Department of
Title of action
Solar Consumer Protections
Date significant agency action was initiated
Friday, September 1, 2023
Category
Agency-request legislation
Brief description of significant agency actions for which the agency is initiating an environmental justice assessment.
This legislative proposal would establish solar consumer protections in statute. Commerce has developed this proposal after hearing about an increase in problematic sales and installation practices of distributed solar energy systems. The proposal focuses on contracts between solar energy contractors and residential or commercial property owners. The language would establish required contract provisions to make customers aware of what services they will and will not receive. The contract provisions would be enforceable in a legal proceeding or under RCW 19.86 (the Consumer Protection Act).
Methods for providing public comment for agency consideration as part of the environmental justice assessment.
Commerce held a public workshop on the proposal on September 27, 2023 to share information and collect input. This fall, Commerce's Energy Division has been hosting meetings around the state on a potential statewide energy bill assistance program. At those meetings, we are sharing a fact sheet on the solar consumer protections legislative proposal and information on how to provide input. Commerce is continuing to accept public input through this smartsheet form: https://tinyurl.com/solarleg.
Link to agency webpage where the action is posted.
