The bill amends Section 39-26.4-3 of the General Laws regarding net metering policies for electricity generated from eligible net-metering systems and community remote net-metering systems. Key provisions include establishing a maximum allowable capacity of 275 megawatts (MWac) for ground-mounted eligible net-metering systems. The bill specifies that this 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 allows for systems mounted on raised structures that enable the ground beneath to be used for other purposes, such as parking, pedestrian access, recreation, or agricultural uses.

The bill also introduces provisions for electric distribution companies to estimate production and consumption for net-metered accounts over a twelve-month period, facilitating a more stable billing process. It mandates that the Rhode Island office of energy resources redesign the community solar remote net metering program to include commercial or industrial anchor tenants and allocate a portion of the project to low- and moderate-income residents. The act emphasizes that eligible net-metering systems must be sited outside of core forests, with exceptions for preferred sites, and it is expected to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1121: 39-26.4-3