This bill amends existing regulations regarding electric utility investments in distributed energy resources. Specifically, it increases the cumulative maximum limit for distributed electric generation owned or invested in by an electric utility from 6 percent to 10 percent of the utility's total distribution peak load in megawatts. Additionally, the bill removes the previous limitation on front-of-meter energy storage and demand response, allowing for greater flexibility in these areas. It also eliminates a provision that restricted utilities from adding non-renewable generation once cumulative renewable generation reached a certain threshold.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new language requiring that the expected value of the economic benefits, both direct and indirect, of the investment to the utility's ratepayers must outweigh the economic costs to those ratepayers. This change aims to ensure that investments in distributed energy resources are economically beneficial for consumers. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of July 27, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 374-F:1
As Amended by the Senate: 374-G:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 374-G:4
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 374-G:4
SB591 text: 374-F:1