Bill > HB1007

This bill aims to make it easier for individuals and businesses to use portable-scale solar generation devices, which are defined as photovoltaic systems with associated equipment that can produce up to 1,920 watts and are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, by preventing them from energizing the electric grid during a power outage. It prohibits electricity providers from requiring customers to get their approval before installing or using these devices, paying fees, or installing extra equipment beyond what's integrated into the device itself. Smaller portable solar devices, under 391 watts, are exempt from certain installation and building code requirements. The bill also prevents any restrictions, covenants, or rules that unreasonably hinder the installation, use, or operation of compliant portable-scale solar generation devices. Furthermore, it mandates that by December 31, 2026, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which regulates utility companies, must update its rules to explicitly require utilities to allow customers to own and use "meter collar adapters" – devices that can help connect distributed energy resources like solar panels without costly electrical panel upgrades and allow for site isolation during power outages. These updated rules will also prohibit PUC-regulated utilities from requiring a "production meter," which tracks energy generated, as a condition for connecting customer-sited distributed energy resources, thereby reducing costs and complexity. Importantly, this requirement to allow customer ownership and use of meter collar adapters and to prohibit mandatory production meters will also apply to municipally owned utilities and cooperative electric associations, ensuring a consistent approach across all electricity providers in the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1007