Bill > S1799

This bill aims to improve the distribution of renewable energy by requiring electricity distribution companies to establish deadlines for completing construction work needed to connect "net metering" facilities to the power grid. Net metering refers to a billing mechanism that allows customers who generate their own electricity, typically from renewable sources like solar panels, to receive credit for any excess electricity they send back to the grid. Specifically, distribution companies must set a deadline within 30 days of a written request to interconnect such a facility and provide official written notification authorizing its activation. If the company fails to meet this deadline, they must credit the net metering facility owner for the value of the electricity that could not be generated, calculated based on projected lost generation and the facility's net metering credit rate. These credits are to be applied to the owner's electric accounts within the same service area. If the distribution company fails to provide the credit, the owner can sue for damages and legal fees, potentially receiving triple the amount owed. This act is set to take effect on January 1, 2016.