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Committee moves HB 2066 to create regulatory framework for microgrids, building‑code updates and local microgrid zones
Summary
The subcommittee adopted two amendments and forwarded House Bill 2066, which directs the PUC to establish rules for microgrid ownership, operation and compensation and directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services to update building code rules to support microgrid integration.
The Natural Resources subcommittee on June 11 adopted the dash A5 and A6 amendments and advanced House Bill 2066 to the Ways and Means full committee with a due‑pass recommendation. HB 2066 directs the Public Utility Commission to establish a regulatory framework within 18 months for ownership, deployment and operation of microgrids and community microgrids, including standards for interconnection, safety, performance, compensation and coordination with electric utilities.
The bill would require an accessible approval process and methods for valuing services such as resiliency and avoided utility costs. The Department of Consumer and Business Services must adopt state building‑code rules to support microgrid integration. Local governments may designate microgrid zones through land‑use regulations with PUC or consumer‑owned utility approval, LFO staff said. The dash A5 amendment made technical changes following Department of Justice review; A6 provides the PUC with an other‑funds expenditure limitation to implement the measure.
Why it matters: proponents and committee members described HB 2066 as a near‑term regulatory scaffold to allow microgrid deployment while preserving safety and utility coordination. The committee adopted both amendments and voted to move the bill to Ways and Means with a due‑pass recommendation.
Next steps: HB 2066 as amended will go to the Ways and Means full committee; the LFO recommended adoption of both amendments.
