After state rules, electricity suppliers would credit shared power subscribers

Electricity suppliers would allow eligible shared power sites to connect to their grids and give subscribers credits on their bills. A site must have at least three subscribers in the supplier's service area, reserve at least 60% of its capacity for subscriptions of 25 kilowatts or less, and limit each subscriber's interest to 20%. Credits would equal each customer's share of electricity multiplied by a rate set by state regulators. Any credit larger than a customer's bill would carry into later bills. Suppliers must begin allowing eligible sites to connect and giving credits no later than 180 days after state regulators adopt the rules.

The Indiana utility regulatory commission would set bill credit rates, connection rules, and protections for subscribers. The rules must include ways for households earning no more than 80% of their area's median income to benefit from subscriptions. Credit rates must be designed to give subscribers financial benefits. The rules must let suppliers recover reasonable connection and bill credit costs. The commission must adopt these rules by July 1, 2027.

Investor-owned power companies could not own shared power sites or offer them incentive programs. The restrictions apply to investor-owned utilities. The provision is set to take effect July 1, 2026.

The commission would form a group to review grid connections and adopt rules needed to carry out its recommendations. The group would include electricity suppliers and other people involved in electric service. The group must review rules and practices for connecting shared power sites to suppliers' grids. The commission must form the group by October 1, 2027, and adopt the needed rules by October 1, 2028.