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Panel hears HB 670 to send unused residential solar credits to low‑income energy assistance
Summary
Rep. Jill Konower said HB 670 would require utilities to direct unused residential kilowatt‑hour credits into the Universal System Benefits program and specifically to the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Supporters called it a modest, targeted way to help households; informational witnesses described how USB funds are currently allocated and asked for a fiscal breakdown. The committee later took procedural action to table the bill.
Representative Jill Konower introduced House Bill 670 to direct unused residential solar kilowatt‑hour credits into the state’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program, saying the change would funnel otherwise forfeited credits to households that need help paying energy bills. “This ability for us as residential customers to have our unused credits funneled into a program that will help our friends and neighbors is a big deal,” Konower said.
Informational witnesses from utilities and the Department of Environmental Quality and the Public Service Commission explained the Universal System Benefits (USB) program structure and noted that certain large customer groups already have mechanisms for using USB funds for conservation and weatherization. Alan Olson of Northwest Energy and other opponents said that recent USB balances include multi‑million‑dollar carryovers and warned that redirecting credits could shift funding from existing USB programs unless allocations are clarified.
Proponents including tribal representatives and the Montana Environmental Information Center urged the committee to advance modest, targeted support for low‑income households. Committee members requested a spreadsheet from the Department of Revenue and the utilities showing recent USB receipts and distributions to clarify how much additional funding the bill would generate and where current USB dollars are directed.
After discussion and follow‑up requests for data, the committee took procedural action; a motion to table the bill was carried in committee proceedings. Sponsors may return with technical clarifications and revenue estimates from the Department of Revenue and utilities before further action.
