This bill proposes various amendments to the administration of public utilities and the duties of the Department of Energy. It includes changes to compliance requirements, penalties for non-compliance, net metering for community solar projects, the Renewable Portfolio Standard, and the Renewable Energy Fund. The bill mandates that every public utility, officer, and agent must comply with orders made by the commission or department, and introduces penalties up to $100,000 for violations. It also outlines a process for community solar developers to apply for designation as a community solar project, with a focus on benefiting low-moderate income households and an annual cap of 6 megawatts for such projects.

The bill further amends the disclosure of information related to the Renewable Portfolio Standard and the annual report on the Renewable Energy Fund, shifting the deadlines from October to November. It exempts public utilities earning less than $10,000 in gross revenue from assessments, provided they file an exemption request by July 30 each year. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "useful thermal energy" and the approval process for renewable energy certification. Finally, it repeals certain duties of the Department of Energy related to personal wireless service facilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 365:40, 365:42, 362-A:9, 374-H:2, 362-F:8, 362-F:10, 363-A:5
As Amended by the Senate: 365:40, 365:42, 362-A:9, 362-F:8, 362-F:10, 363-A:5
As Amended by the House: 365:40, 365:42, 362-A:9, 362-F:8, 362-F:10, 363-A:5, 362-F:2, 362-F:6
Version adopted by both bodies: 365:40, 365:42, 362-A:9, 362-F:8, 362-F:10, 363-A:5, 362-F:2, 362-F:6
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 365:40, 365:42, 362-A:9, 362-F:8, 362-F:10, 363-A:5, 362-F:2, 362-F:6