Bill > SB239

This bill amends Delaware's public utility laws concerning net energy metering, which is a billing mechanism that allows customers with renewable energy systems, like solar panels, to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. Specifically, it clarifies how customers are credited for excess electricity (Excess kWh Credits), stating that these credits will be applied to future bills and can carry over annually, though non-farm businesses may have limits on how many credits can be carried forward. Starting January 1, 2024, for both residential and non-residential customers of commission-regulated utilities, these monthly excess credits will be valued based on the supply and distribution charges, excluding societal benefits programs, which are defined as programs benefiting the public at large, such as the Green Energy Fund or programs supporting renewable energy standards. The bill also clarifies that electric suppliers, not just the distribution companies, are responsible for the supply service portion of these credits, and that net-metering customers should not face discriminatory rates or unnecessary fees, with a provision allowing for potential fees for non-residential customers if interconnection and administration costs outweigh the benefits. It also mandates that generating systems meet safety standards and that net energy metering uses a bidirectional meter, with specific cost responsibilities for residential and non-residential customers regarding meter installations, and importantly, removes a previous provision that allowed utilities to stop offering net metering if customer-generated capacity exceeded 8% of their peak demand.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142864