Increase the generating capacity for customer-generated electricity
Summary
HB 811 amends Montana’s electric utility definitions in Title 69, chapter 8, to increase the maximum size of a “net metering system” from 50 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts. Net metering systems are customer-owned renewable generation facilities using solar, wind, or hydropower that are located on the customer’s premises, operate in parallel with utility distribution facilities, and are intended to offset the customer’s electricity use. By raising the capacity limit, the bill would allow larger customer-generated electricity installations to qualify for net metering treatment under state law.
The bill is narrowly drafted and does not create a new program or rate structure; instead, it updates a definition that determines which customer generation systems may participate in net metering. It also includes an immediate effective date, meaning the change would take effect upon passage and approval. In practical terms, the bill would affect residential, commercial, agricultural, and other retail customers seeking to install larger on-site renewable systems, as well as utilities that must account for those systems under net metering rules.
Impact
HB 811 would amend section 69-8-103, MCA, by changing the statutory definition of “net metering system” from a maximum generating capacity of 50 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts. This would expand eligibility for customer-generated renewable electricity systems to a broader set of installations, potentially increasing the number and size of projects that can offset retail electricity consumption through net metering. The bill would affect utilities regulated under Montana law, customer-generators, and retail electricity customers considering on-site solar, wind, or hydropower systems.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had some support but also faced enough opposition or procedural resistance to stall. It received 13 yeas and 1 nay in the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee on a motion to table, and the bill ultimately died in process. No committee transcript is available, so the record does not show detailed debate, but the vote indicates the proposal was at least considered favorably by a majority of those voting while still not advancing to enactment.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to have been whether Montana should expand the size of systems eligible for net metering from 50 to 100 kilowatts. Supporters likely viewed the change as a way to encourage more customer-owned renewable generation and give larger users more flexibility to offset electricity costs. Opponents or those favoring tabling may have been concerned about utility cost recovery, rate impacts, or the broader policy implications of allowing larger behind-the-meter generation to participate in net metering. Because there are no transcripts, the specific arguments and sponsors of opposition are not documented in the provided record.