Bill > LD1777

This bill introduces significant changes to Maine's net energy billing programs, which allow customers to receive credit for electricity generated by their own renewable energy systems. The bill restricts future net energy billing agreements by prohibiting transmission and distribution utilities from entering into new agreements with distributed generation resources interconnected on the utility side of a customer's meter after December 31, 2025. It modifies billing terms by preventing amendments to agreements that extend beyond their original end date and establishes a new net energy billing project charge for larger distributed generation resources, with monthly fees based on the project's nameplate capacity. The legislation requires the Public Utilities Commission to initiate a competitive procurement process for existing eligible resources, design a new front-of-meter distributed energy resource program, and implement consumer protection standards. These changes aim to reduce costs for ratepayers, provide more transparent billing practices, and create a more sustainable approach to renewable energy generation. Key consumer protections include requiring subscription sizes to match customer usage, preventing project sponsors from retaining expired credits, and limiting residential customers to one net energy billing agreement. The bill represents a significant shift in how Maine will approach net energy billing, balancing renewable energy development with cost management and customer fairness.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1777&snum=132