Bill > HB1007

This bill aims to improve customer access to and use of distributed energy resources, which are small-scale energy generation systems like residential solar panels, especially when paired with energy storage. It specifically addresses "portable-scale solar generation devices," defined as single photovoltaic systems per address with a maximum output of 1,920 watts that are labeled and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and requires them to have a feature that prevents energizing the electric grid during a power outage. The bill prohibits electricity providers from requiring approval or charging fees for these devices, though they can require notification of their use. It also exempts smaller devices (under 391 watts) from certain building code alterations and mandates that by January 1, 2027, all portable-scale solar generation devices sold or leased must be UL labeled and listed, and their installation or use cannot be unreasonably prohibited by covenants or restrictions, though reasonable restrictions related to safety and property damage are allowed. Furthermore, the bill requires utilities, including cooperative electric associations and municipally owned utilities, to establish clear and timely processes for approving and installing "meter collar adapters," which are devices that can help avoid costly electrical panel upgrades when connecting distributed energy resources, and to make these adapters publicly available or have a process for approving customer-owned ones within specific timeframes. Finally, portable-scale solar generation devices will be recognized as "energy efficiency measures" under certain conditions, allowing for their installation on limited common elements within common interest communities, with the property owner responsible for associated liabilities and costs.