This bill amends existing Arkansas law to regulate nonexport facilities, which are defined as facilities that produce electrical energy solely for a customer's own use within a designated electric utility's service area and do not intentionally feed electricity back to the grid. The bill prohibits discrimination in electricity rates against customers who own or operate nonexport facilities, ensuring they are treated equitably compared to other customers. Additionally, it mandates the Arkansas Public Service Commission to establish rules for the operation and interconnection of nonexport facilities by December 31, 2025, following public notice and comment.

The bill also clarifies that nonexport facilities are excluded from the definition of "net-metering facility" under the Arkansas Cost-Shifting Prevention Act of 2023. This distinction is important as it delineates the regulatory framework applicable to nonexport facilities, ensuring they are subject to specific operational standards and an expedited review process for their export control methods. Overall, the legislation aims to create a fair regulatory environment for nonexport facilities while promoting safe and reliable energy production.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB615 V2 - 4-7-2025 11:16 AM: 23-4-202, 23-18-603(9)
Old version SB615 V3 - 4-9-2025 03:07 PM: 23-18-603(9)
Old version SB615 Original - 4-2-2025 05:12 PM: 23-4-202, 23-18-603(9)
SB 615: 23-4-202, 23-18-603(9)