Bill > SB298

This bill amends Ohio's existing net metering law to introduce virtual net metering, a new system that allows certain non-residential customers to generate electricity and credit their usage across multiple meters within the same utility service territory. The legislation creates specific provisions for hospitals and mercantile (commercial) customers, allowing them to develop alternative net metering contracts with electric utilities. Virtual net metering systems must meet detailed requirements, including using specific fuel sources like solar, wind, or biomass, and being located on certain types of properties such as mines, brownfields, or commercial rooftops. The bill stipulates that virtual net metering systems cannot be located on agricultural land and must be sized to not exceed 120% of the customer's electricity requirements. Electric utilities must help customers calculate their electricity needs and develop standard contracts for virtual net metering that provide credits for electricity generated, with those credits applicable only to generation and transmission charges. The legislation also requires the Public Utilities Commission to adopt rules for implementing virtual net metering, ensuring safety standards are met, and explicitly states that residential customers cannot be charged for virtual net metering-related costs. Importantly, the bill distinguishes virtual net metering from traditional net metering and establishes a comprehensive framework for how these alternative electricity generation and crediting systems will function in Ohio.