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Lawmakers hear split testimony on SB 188, the 'Montana Solar Shares' bill
Summary
Supporters said SB 188 would expand access to community solar and attract private investment; utilities warned it could impose administrative burdens and shift costs to non‑subscribers. The PSC would set bill‑credit rules if the committee advances the bill.
Sen. Chris Pope, sponsor of Senate Bill 188, told the House Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations Committee the Montana Solar Shares Act is "enabling legislation" intended to open a voluntary market for shared solar projects of up to 5 megawatts and "unleash[] private investment." He said the bill requires no public subsidy and carries "no fiscal note."
Opponents — principally investor‑owned and regional utilities — urged caution. Alan Olson, director of government affairs for Northwestern Energy, said the measure "requires us to do all the bookkeeping" and warned software and tracking costs could fall to ratepayers. He cited software work for net‑metering upgrades and asked that owners, not…
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