Bill > SB321

This bill amends Title 26 of the Delaware Code to authorize and regulate consolidated billing for Community Energy Facilities (CEFs), which are renewable energy projects designed to increase access to clean energy, particularly for renters and low- to moderate-income (LMI) households. The bill defines "consolidated billing" as a system where electric utilities include CEF subscription charges on a customer's regular utility bill and remit those payments to the CEF or a "Subscription Coordinator," which is an entity managing customer enrollment and interactions with CEFs. It also defines "net crediting" as a process where the utility subtracts the CEF subscription charge from the customer's energy credit before applying it to the bill. The legislation establishes different income eligibility criteria and savings rate requirements for CEFs based on their operational start dates, with newer facilities needing to serve a higher percentage of LMI customers and offer greater discounts. Utilities will be required to offer consolidated billing, and it will become the default for new CEFs starting September 3, 2026, though existing CEFs can opt out under certain conditions. The bill also includes consumer protections, such as prohibiting credit checks or upfront fees for residential subscribers, and outlines utility obligations for processing payments and managing billing errors, with provisions for utilities to recover administrative costs through approved fees. Finally, it mandates the Public Service Commission to establish regulations for consolidated billing and convene a stakeholder working group to recommend improvements to the CEF program, particularly regarding LMI customer enrollment and consumer protections, with a report due by January 31, 2027, and consolidated billing to be available to all CEFs by October 1, 2027.