Bill > HB1476

This bill establishes a new "successor program" to replace the current net energy metering program, which allows eligible customer-generators (individuals or entities with renewable energy facilities like solar panels that primarily offset their own electricity needs) to be credited for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is tasked with developing this successor program, which must incentivize distributed generation, minimize costs for electricity consumers (ratepayers), and fairly compensate for exported energy while considering grid needs, ratepayer impacts, and energy equity. The current net energy metering program will end when either the state reaches 3,000 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity or the PSC implements the successor program. The successor program itself will remain available until the combined capacity of both programs reaches 6,000 MW. Before implementing the successor program, the PSC must conduct a proceeding, gather input from various stakeholders, and submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 15, 2026. Section 1 of the bill takes effect when the PSC submits this report or when the current net energy metering program reaches 3,000 MW, whichever comes first, with a sunset provision if the contingency isn't met by October 1, 2031.