Modifies provisions for net metering
HB370 repeals and replaces Missouri’s existing net metering statute with a new section called the “Net Metering and Easy Connection Act.” The bill establishes a framework for customer-generators who use renewable energy systems, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, fuel cells using hydrogen, and other certified renewable resources, to connect to retail electric suppliers and receive net metering credits. It defines key terms, sets technical and safety standards for qualifying systems, and requires utilities to offer net metering through approved tariffs or contracts.
The bill allows customer-generators with systems up to 100 kilowatts to offset their own electricity use and receive credits for excess generation at least equal to the utility’s avoided fuel cost. It also requires utilities to provide interconnection procedures, annual program disclosures, and annual reporting on the number of participating systems, total capacity, and net kilowatt-hours received. The bill includes rules for metering equipment, interconnection timelines, liability, and treatment of credits, and it authorizes the attorney general to enforce disclosure and consumer protection provisions related to the sale of these systems.
HB370 would substantially revise section 386.890, RSMo, by replacing the existing net metering law with a more detailed statutory scheme governing renewable distributed generation. It affects electric corporations regulated by the Public Service Commission, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives, and it sets statewide standards for interconnection, billing, crediting excess generation, reporting, and safety requirements. The bill also allows utilities to recover costs incurred under the act in their rate structures and ties net-metered generation to renewable energy portfolio compliance and federal law compliance.
The bill’s overall tone is supportive of customer-owned renewable energy and easier utility interconnection, as reflected in its title and structure. Although no committee transcript or vote record is provided, the bill language suggests a pro-net-metering approach that seeks to standardize access and reduce barriers for residential and small commercial renewable energy systems. At the same time, the bill also preserves utility cost recovery and safety controls, indicating an attempt to balance consumer access with utility operational concerns.
The main points of contention likely involve utility compensation, system size limits, and the extent of fees or requirements utilities may impose on customer-generators. The bill permits credits only at the avoided fuel cost for excess generation and allows utilities to recover certain costs through rates, which may be viewed as protective of utilities but less generous to solar customers. Other likely disputed issues include the 5% aggregate cap on net-metered capacity, the 1% annual interconnection approval limit, requirements for additional equipment or insurance for larger systems, and the attorney general’s enforcement authority over sellers and installers of generation equipment.