The bill amends section 4928.67 of the Revised Code and introduces new sections 4928.675 through 4928.6711, focusing on virtual net metering and meter aggregation for electric utilities in Ohio. It requires electric utilities to create standard contracts or tariffs for net metering that are consistent for both hospitals and mercantile customers who are also customer-generators. A key provision allows mercantile customers to have their transmission service costs billed by their competitive retail electric service supplier instead of their electric utility, with a stipulation that their net metering system capacity must be under fifty megawatts.

Furthermore, the bill establishes definitions and requirements for virtual net metering systems, including criteria for location, fuel sources, and capacity. It mandates that electric utilities assist these customers in calculating their electricity needs and develop contracts that reflect their unique billing structures. The legislation also ensures that virtual net metering customers are not subjected to additional costs beyond compliance with safety and performance standards. Notably, the bill repeals the existing section 4928.67, indicating a significant shift in the legal framework governing net metering practices to align with the new regulations for virtual net metering systems.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4928.67