Montana utilities would credit shared solar subscribers under approved rates

Utilities would credit each subscriber's account for its share of solar generation each billing period. Projects would have 50 kilowatts to 3 megawatts of capacity and serve at least two subscribers within the same utility service area. The approved rate plan would govern unused credits carried forward. Subscribers would still owe other utility charges. Construction could begin only after the Public Service Commission decides on the applicable rate plan.

Project owners would pay administration, connection, required grid upgrade, and necessary safety equipment costs. Customers in the separate legal category called 'customer-generators' could not subscribe. Each subscription would cover at least 1 kilowatt and no more than 40% of a project's capacity. Subscriptions could not exceed the customer's three-year average annual utility-supplied electricity use at that meter, or modeled average annual use for new construction.

Utilities would submit shared solar rate plans for Public Service Commission approval. These duties would cover electric utilities regulated by the commission when the measure takes effect, including their successors. Utilities would offer opportunities for solar industry and community input before filing. The commission would decide within 180 days of filing and adopt rules within one year after the measure takes effect on passage and approval.