House Bill No. introduced by J. Cohenour mandates that public utilities transfer unused customer-generated kilowatt-hour credits to low-income energy assistance programs. The bill amends Sections 69-8-412 and 69-8-603 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Specifically, it establishes that any unused kilowatt-hour credits, along with any positive difference between credits and the annual funding requirement, must be credited to a fund designated for low-income energy assistance programs. This fund will be administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Additionally, the bill modifies the net energy measurement calculation process. It clarifies that if a customer-generator produces more electricity than they consume, they will be credited for the excess kilowatt hours, which will appear on their bill for the following billing period. However, any remaining unused kilowatt-hour credits at the end of a designated 12-month billing period must be granted to the public utility without compensation to the customer-generator. The bill ensures that these unused credits are directed to support low-income energy assistance programs, thereby enhancing the utility's role in addressing energy affordability for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 69-8-412, 69-8-603
HB0670_1(1): 69-8-412, 69-8-603
HB0670_1(2): 69-8-412, 69-8-603
HB0670_1(3): 69-8-412, 69-8-603
HB0670_1: 69-8-412, 69-8-603