The bill seeks to amend Montana's net metering laws by increasing the cap on net metering systems from 50 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts and requiring the Public Service Commission (PSC) to create separate rate classifications for customer-generators. It mandates that utilities perform a cost-of-service study that includes customer-generators and submit the findings to the PSC for review. The bill also revises the definition of "net metering system" and establishes that the total generating capacity of net metering should not exceed 5% of a utility's projected summer peak load until the new rate classifications are in place. Additionally, the PSC is granted the authority to charge customer-generators appropriate rates and may impose costs related to the interconnection of net metering systems if necessary.

Moreover, the bill introduces a grandfather clause allowing customer-generators who connect before the new classifications are approved to switch to the new classifications at any time, but they cannot revert to their original classification afterward. It also details the effective dates and conditions for various sections of the act, stating that while the act generally takes effect upon passage, certain provisions will only become effective once the PSC confirms that customer-generators are served under a separate classification. This ensures that the implementation of the new classifications is dependent on the PSC's determination.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 69-8-103, 69-8-601, 69-8-602, 69-8-610, 69-8-611, 69-8-612