SB 5223 the Solar Fairness Act successfully passed out of the House

19 Apr SB 5223 the Solar Fairness Act successfully passed out of the House

Late last week the Solar Fairness Act (E2SSB 5223) successfully passed off the Washington State House floor by a margin of 15 votes, with 55 in support of the bill. This took place after the bill had been reviewed and passed out of the House Environment and Energy Committee in late March.

The Solar Fairness Act provides an important expansion to net metering and at no cost to the state. Net metering protects solar owners’ right to use the electricity they make over the course of the year. SB 5223 enables solar adopters to receive full credit on their utility bills for the power they generate. More broadly, it will help solar energy play on a level playing field in Washington State and continue to grow its reach.

In the next several weeks the bill must be reconciled by the Senate and signed by Governor Inslee before it becomes state law. As it approaches this finish line, keep in mind that its significant progress at the Legislature would not be possible without the many SolarStrongWA supporters who made their voices heard for solar fairness this legislative session.