(1) Commission service defined. Commission service means sending or delivering notices, orders, or other commission documents from the commission to parties, regulated companies, or interested stakeholders. Such service includes, but is not limited to, commission service of documents in adjudications pursuant to WAC 480-07-360.

(2) Designation of person to receive service.

(a) Each party, regulated company, or interested stakeholder must designate at least one person to receive commission service of documents.

(b) Companies the commission regulates must provide the commission with current, accurate, and complete contact information for the company itself and at least one person who owns the company or who is employed or otherwise authorized by the company to receive commission service of documents on behalf of the company. Companies must inform the commission of any changes to this contact information as soon as practicable. The commission is not responsible for a company not receiving commission service of documents if the company fails to comply with this requirement.

(3) Contact information. Each party, regulated company, or interested stakeholder must provide the following information about every individual that it designates to receive commission service of documents:

(a) Name (and title, if applicable);

(b) Mailing address;

(c) Telephone number; and

(d) Email address.

(4) Forms of service by commission.

(a) To the full extent authorized by applicable law, the commission will serve documents only in electronic form except where proof of receipt is required.

(b) When applicable law requires the commission to demonstrate that a person received a document, the commission will serve the document in one of the following ways:

(i) By certified United States mail, properly addressed with first class postage prepaid, return receipt requested; or

(ii) By personal delivery with a declaration of service.

(c) When required by applicable law or in the exercise of its discretion, the commission will serve paper copies of documents by United States mail, first class postage prepaid.

(5) When service is deemed complete. Unless otherwise ordered by the commission in a particular proceeding, commission service of documents is complete as follows:

(a) Electronic service is complete when the commission sends the document to the recipient's designated email address.

(b) Service by certified mail or personal service is complete on the date indicated on the return receipt or declaration of service.

(c) Service by mail is complete when the commission deposits the document, properly addressed, and postage prepaid in the United States mail.