Bill > S2182

This bill establishes the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2025, which aims to increase access to community solar programs for diverse groups including low and moderate-income individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities. The Secretary of Energy will be required to create a program within one year that provides technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments to develop innovative financial models for community solar initiatives. The bill mandates that non-tribal electric utilities offer community solar programs with equitable access for all ratepayers, including low-income consumers, and allows for various ownership models of solar facilities. The legislation also enables community solar facilities to allocate electricity to multiple electric consumers through a solar photovoltaic system connected to local distribution infrastructure, which can be located on or off subscriber properties and owned by utilities, subscribers, or third parties. Additionally, the bill extends the potential duration of federal public utility service contracts to up to 30 years and requires state regulatory authorities to begin considering and implementing the new community solar standards within specified timeframes. The overall goal is to expand renewable energy access, particularly for underserved communities, by creating more flexible and inclusive solar energy participation mechanisms.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2182/all-info