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House debates net-metering bill aimed at small generators; customers to bear synchronization costs
Summary
A net-metering bill aimed at residential and small generators was discussed; sponsors limited participation to generators of 25 kW or less and said customers must install inverters and equipment to match grid phase and frequency.
Representatives debated a net-metering bill designed to encourage small-scale electricity generation by allowing customers to sell surplus power back to utilities.
Representative Gordon Snow, sponsor, said the measure encourages consumers who choose to generate electricity (wind, solar, fuel cells) and protects utilities from imposing additional fees on those small generators. The bill applies to generators with capacity of 25 kilowatts or less to target residential and small users; Snow said larger or intermediate generators are handled separately and may need individualized arrangements with utilities.
Members pressed the sponsor on why the 25 kW cutoff was chosen and on technical issues of synchronizing customer-owned generation with the grid. Representative Tyler asked how customers will match frequency and phase; Snow answered that inverters and safety equipment are required and that those costs fall to the customer. Snow emphasized the bill includes safety provisions to protect line workers and requires appropriate equipment to prevent unsafe backfeed.
Supporters described the measure as a balance between encouraging renewable and distributed generation while protecting utilities’ ability to plan and maintain safe operations. The bill was put on the floor calendar for further consideration.
