Community solar groups may choose fixed credits for some subscribers

Community solar organizations may choose fixed bill credits for some subscribers and credits that change each year for others. The fixed credit is for income-qualified subscribers; the changing credit is for the organization's other subscribers. The organization may choose this arrangement for its subscribers. The option begins October 1, 2026. The group chooses an initial fixed credit from values used in the previous three years; after an initial period set by the commission, the credit changes each year under commission rules.

A public utility may not require payment for reasonable, necessary connection facilities and upgrades until 30 days before it incurs those costs. This applies to public utilities and customers seeking to connect distributed generation to the grid. When both sides sign a connection agreement, the utility may require security for the estimated full cost and must offer security options, including a letter of credit from a qualified provider. The payment limit applies before the utility incurs the costs. A utility may require security when both sides sign the connection agreement.

A public utility with more than 500,000 customers in Colorado must convene a working group and implement a process for third-party connection studies and upgrade work. The working group duty applies to public utilities with more than 500,000 customers in the state. The contractor rules apply when a customer chooses a third-party contractor for connection studies or upgrade work. The group includes utility, commission, consumer advocate, trade association, and project developer representatives. The process must list utility-approved contractors and explain how contractors can be added or removed. If a customer chooses a third-party contractor, that contractor must be approved and meet applicable safety, reliability, labor, and technical standards. The contractor pays for inspections and repairs or corrections to its work. The utility must convene the group by August 15, 2026, report its recommendations by December 15, 2026, and file for any needed commission approval by January 1, 2027.

For certain off-site renewable generation or storage facilities above 300 kilowatts, installation and necessary repair or maintenance work must be done by a licensed electrician or a properly supervised apprentice. This applies to off-site renewable generation or storage facilities covered by the section that exceed 300 kilowatts. The facility must be covered by the referenced section, and all applicable connection rules still apply. The commission must evaluate the size limits as part of a future renewable energy compliance plan. The commission will evaluate the facility size and installation limits as part of a future renewable energy compliance plan.