Bill > H4173

This bill, concerning solar energy, makes several changes to existing laws, primarily related to net metering, which is a billing mechanism that allows solar energy system owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. Key provisions include increasing the capacity limit for solar net metering facilities from 25 to 35 megawatts (MW), extending the construction deadline for these facilities, and introducing a new "market net metering credit" that will apply to new facilities once a certain capacity threshold (1,600 MW) is reached. This market credit is calculated based on various charges from the distribution company, excluding certain demand and renewable energy charges. The bill also establishes a framework for a monthly reliability contribution to ensure all customers contribute to the costs of maintaining the electricity grid, with provisions for exemptions for low-income customers and certain existing facilities. Furthermore, it mandates the development of a new statewide solar incentive program designed to encourage continued solar development in a cost-effective and stable manner, while also ensuring that existing solar facilities that qualified before the new program's effective date remain under their current programs.