Committee delays final action on net‑metering bill after debate over ISO market participation, grandfathering and market‑revenue language

The Science, Technology and Energy Committee resumed work on Senate Bill 232 (clarifying certain net‑metering terms) on April 14 and postponed final action after extended debate over language governing small hydro generators, ISO New England participation, and protections for existing net‑metered customers.

Nut graf: Members pressed for clearer statutory wording to avoid unintended regulatory conflicts. The committee discussed language to require renewable generators that participate in ISO New England electricity markets to transfer market revenues associated with capacity and ancillary services to the interconnected distribution utility for eligibility for net‑metering tariffs; members also debated whether and how to codify protections ("grandfathering") for customers operating under existing net‑metering tariffs through 2040.

Key details and debate

- Small hydro and ISO participation: Testimony from…