The bill amends Section 39-26.4-3 of the General Laws regarding net metering policies for electricity generated from eligible net-metering systems. It establishes a maximum allowable capacity of two hundred seventy-five megawatts (275 MWac) for ground-mounted eligible net-metering systems, with exceptions for systems installed on preferred sites or mounted on raised structures that allow for other uses, such as parking, pedestrian access, recreation, or agricultural uses. The bill specifies that the maximum capacity restriction shall not apply to eligible net-metering systems installed on preferred sites, which include locations such as landfills, gravel pits, quarries, highway and major road median strips, brownfields, superfund sites, parking lots, and rooftops of residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for electric distribution companies to estimate production and consumption for billing purposes and outlines the treatment of renewable net-metering credits. It mandates the Rhode Island office of energy resources to redesign the community solar remote net metering program to include a commercial or industrial anchor tenant and allocate a portion of the project to low- and moderate-income residents. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6085: 39-26.4-3