The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission established requirements governing the services of community solar companies – entities other than electric utilities – based on guidelines for other regulated industries, according to the agency’s Oct. 2 press release. The rules create consumer protection measures including written permission to release private consumer information, escrow accounts to refund deposits with interest when subscriptions end, annual meter checks to report accuracy, and procedures to handle complaints. Door-to-door salespersons must undergo criminal background checks and carry proper identification cards. The regulations stem from legislation enacted last year that directed the commission to adopt rules for companies owning up to one megawatt of solar projects and serving more than one paying customer.