Bill > SB188

This bill establishes the "Montana Solar Shares Act," which creates a comprehensive framework for shared solar energy facilities in Montana. The legislation defines a shared solar energy facility as a solar installation between 50 and 5 megawatts that allows multiple customers within the same utility service territory to receive on-bill credits for electricity generated. Public utilities are required to interconnect these facilities to their distribution systems and provide on-bill credits to subscribing customers based on their proportional share of the facility's electricity generation. Subscribers can transfer their credits between accounts or even donate their share to nonprofit or low-income energy programs. The bill requires shared solar energy facility owners to handle administrative costs and maintain safety and reliability standards. The Public Service Commission is granted rulemaking authority to establish credit rates, participation guidelines, consumer protections, and nondiscriminatory requirements for facility owners. Importantly, the bill distinguishes shared solar customers from net metering customers and ensures that customers will not be removed from their existing utility rate classes when participating in shared solar programs. The legislation aims to expand solar energy access by allowing multiple customers to collectively invest in and benefit from a single solar energy facility.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2812