(1) Definition. An official communication from the commission notifies interested parties and the public of the agency's position, anticipated action, or resolution of issues in matters that come within the commission's statutory authority.

(2) When a communication is official. A communication from the commission is an official communication only if it is signed or otherwise verifiably issued or entered by the commissioners, the commission's secretary or other assistant deputized, designated, or delegated to perform commission duties pursuant to RCW 80.01.030, or the secretary's designee. In addition, the presiding administrative law judge or the administrative law judge's designee may sign, issue, or enter official communications relating to an adjudicative proceeding.