Senate advances net‑metering bill to encourage small electricity producers

The Utah State Senate on January 30 advanced House Bill 7, a measure that would allow small electricity producers — for example, rooftop photovoltaic systems or small hydro installations — to send surplus power back to the grid and receive compensation.

Representative Snow, sponsor of the bill in the House, told senators the measure "allows that electricity to be put back into the system, and they can actually make a little bit of money off of it," and said the bill is intended to encourage alternative energy. He also said the bill was supported by the electrical industry in committee.

Senator Allen asked whether utilities' newer digital meters will record reverse flow for net metering. The sponsor replied that the meters "will go in reverse," though he noted he could not confirm whether every specific meter model in use had been certified for reverse operation.

The Senate recorded the roll call on third reading and the presiding officer announced the vote as 24 aye, 0 nay, 5 absent, advancing the bill to the third‑reading calendar (transcript wording of the roll call around the tally contains irregular phrasing). The record does not include text of any amendment to the bill during floor consideration.

Why it matters: Supporters say net metering reduces barriers for distributed renewable generation and aligns Utah with programs in other states. Remaining questions recorded in the floor exchange centered on metering compatibility and the specifics of which meter models would be used.

What’s next: The bill moves forward on the third‑reading calendar for final passage and enrollment.