HB 2281 — Recertifying renewable energy systems eligible for a renewable energy system production incentive.

H-4209.1SUBSTITUTEH-3302.1HOUSE HOUSE BILL 2281State of Washington65th Legislature2018 Regular SessionBy House Technology & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Hudgins, Tarleton, Slatter, Lytton, and Kloba)READKlobaPrefiled FIRST12/13/17. TIME 01/26/18.AN ACT Relating to recertifying renewable energy systems eligible for a renewable energy system production incentive;

Read first time 01/08/18.

Referred to Committee on Technology & Economic Development.AN ACT Relating to recertifying renewable energy systems eligible for a renewable energy system production incentive;

At the earliest date practicable and no later than September 30, 2017, the department must transfer all records necessary for the administration of the remaining incentive payments due under this section to the Washington State University extension energy program.(10) Participants in the renewable energy investment cost recovery program under this section will continue to receive payments for electricity produced through June 30, 2020, at the same rates their utility paid to participants for electricity produced between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016, except that no participant may continue to receive incentive payments under this section if the cumulative dollar amount of incentive payments made to the participant exceeds one hundred percent of the total system price as certified in accordance with RCW 82.16.165(7)(a)(ii).(11) In order to continue to receive the incentive payment allowed under subsection (4) of this section, a person or community solar project administrator who has, by September 30, 2017, submitted a complete certification to the department under subsection (2) of this section must apply to the Washington State University extension energy program by April 30, 2018, for a certification authorizing the utility serving the situs of the renewable energy system to annually remit the incentive payment allowed under subsection (4) of this section for each kilowatt-hour generated by the renewable energy system through June 30, 2020.(12)(a) The Washington State University extension energy program must establish an application process and form by which to collect ((the)) applicable system operation ((data described in)) and system price data described in RCW 82.16.165(7)(a)82.16.165(7)(a)(iii) (ii) and (iii) from each person or community solar project administrator applying for a certification under subsection (11) of this section.

The((The Washington State University extension energy program must notify any applicant that providing this data is a condition of certification and that any certification issued pursuant to this section is void as of June 30, 2018, if the applicant has failed to provide the data by that date.date.))(b) Beginning July 1, 2018, the Washington State University extension energy program must, in a form and manner that is consistent with the roles and processes established under RCW 82.16.165 (19) and (20), calculate for the year and provide to the utility the amount of the incentive payment due to each participant under subsection (11) of this section.Sec. 2.  RCW 82.16.165 and 2017 3rd sp.s.

The Washington State University extension energy program may waive the requirement to provide this data when extraordinary circumstances exist that result in an unreasonable burden to provide the required data.(b) Beginning July 1, 2018, the Washington State University extension energy program must, in a form and manner that is consistent with the roles and processes established under RCW 82.16.165 (19) and (20), calculate for the year and provide to the utility the amount of the incentive payment due to each participant under subsection (11) of this section.Sec. 2.  RCW 82.16.165 and 2017 3rd sp.s.

and(d) For shared commercial solar projects, up to thirty-five thousand dollars a year per participant, as determined by the terms of subsection (15) of this section.(7)(a) To obtain certification under this section, a person must submit to the Washington State University extension energy program an application, including:(i) A signed statement that the applicant has not previously received a notice of eligibility from the department under RCW 82.16.120 entitling the applicant to receive annual incentive payments for electricity generated by the renewable energy system at the same meter location;(ii) A signed ((statementstatement of the total price, including applicable sales tax, paid by the applicant for the renewable energy system))system;(iii) attestation of the total system price, including applicable sales tax, paid by the applicant for the renewable energy system, except that such an attestation is not required for renewable energy systems acquired as part of a real estate transaction and for which the total system price at the time of installation is not known;(iii) ((System operation data including)) For systems installed and operational after July 1, 2010, system operation data such as global positioning system coordinates, tilt, estimated shading, and azimuth;(iv) Any other information the Washington State University extension energy program deems necessary in determining eligibility and incentive levels, administering the program, tracking progress toward achieving the limits on program participation established in RCW 82.16.130, or facilitating the review of the performance of the tax preferences by the joint legislative audit and review committee, as described in RCW 82.16.155;