Bill > HB0146

This bill, the Affordable Electricity Act of 2026, aims to simplify the use of small, plug-in solar generation devices, referred to as "PIPVs," which are defined as photovoltaic devices with a maximum power output of 1,200 watts per meter, designed to plug into a standard 120-volt outlet to offset a customer's electricity use, and must meet national electric code standards and be certified by a recognized testing laboratory. Under this bill, these PIPVs will be exempt from needing an interconnection agreement with an electric utility (a company that distributes electricity to homes and businesses) or from the regulations associated with net metering systems, which typically allow customers to receive credit for excess electricity sent back to the grid. Crucially, these devices must have a safety feature to prevent them from energizing the building's electrical system or sending power back to the utility's grid during an outage, and electric utilities cannot require customers to get their approval before installation, pay extra fees, or install additional equipment beyond what is integrated into the PIPV itself. While utilities may offer meters that can track electricity flow in both directions, they will not be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by a customer's use of a PIPV that the utility did not sell, lease, install, or operate. This legislation also makes conforming amendments to existing definitions to exclude PIPVs from the definition of a net metering system and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0146