summary
Introduced
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, each subscriber to a community solar garden receives a net metering credit to their electric bill. The community solar subscriber organization can choose between a fixed bill credit or a bill credit that is adjusted annually. The bill states that, on and after July 1, 2026, an annual adjustment mechanism must be applied to fixed bill credit rates to index the value of the fixed bill credit to changing rate trends. A public utility is permitted under current law to recover its prudently incurred costs to facilitate a timely interconnection of a distributed energy resource. The bill prohibits a public utility from requiring an interconnection customer to pay the costs associated with interconnection facilities and upgrades until 30 days before the public utility incurs the costs. The bill allows a public utility to require an interconnection customer to provide security for the estimated full costs of interconnection at the time of mutual execution of an interconnection agreement. The bill requires a public utility to: ! On or before July 1, 2026, develop a process to allow an interconnection customer to contract with a third party to perform an interconnection study; ! On or before September 1, 2026, develop a process to allow for the concurrent performance of all needed interconnection studies; and ! On or before October 1, 2026, develop a process to allow an interconnection customer to contract with a third party to perform any upgrades needed for interconnection, including engineering, procurement, and construction upgrades. An interconnection study and upgrades that are performed by a contracted third party must meet applicable safety, reliability, labor, and technical standards.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Advancing Grid Resilience Using Distributed Energy Resources Act," aims to modernize the state's approach to renewable energy by making several key changes. Starting July 1, 2026, community solar gardens will have their fixed bill credits adjusted annually to reflect changing electricity rate trends, ensuring the value of these credits keeps pace with utility costs. For customers seeking to connect distributed energy resources, such as solar panels or battery storage, to the grid, the bill introduces new timelines and options. Public utilities will no longer be able to demand payment for interconnection facilities and upgrades until 30 days before they incur those costs, though they can still require security for the estimated full costs upfront. Furthermore, by specific deadlines in 2026, utilities must establish processes allowing customers to hire third-party companies to conduct interconnection studies and perform necessary grid upgrades, including engineering, procurement, and construction, provided these third-party services meet safety and reliability standards. These changes are intended to speed up the interconnection process, facilitate the deployment of renewable energy, and maintain the benefits of community solar for all customers, especially those with lower incomes.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House Energy & Environment Hearing (13:30:00 3/12/2026 Room Old State Library) (on 03/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1225 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/112144/download |
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