The Natural Resources & Energy committee on Jan. 13 heard testimony on S.202, a bill to allow portable plug-in solar devices for residential use. TJ Forr, director of regulated utility demand at the Public Service Department, said the department could support the concept "so long as safety concerns are met," but urged the panel to tighten requirements on product certification and consumer protections.

"Safety, consumer protections, including affordability are are paramount in our review and consideration of the bill," Forr said, calling attention to a December paper from UL Solutions that warned lack of risk-mitigation could create electric-shock and fire hazards. Forr recommended the bill require UL listing for finished devices rather than allowing component-level UL certification, because listings apply to complete products.

Forr also raised affordability questions. Using illustrative numbers, he told the committee a 1.2-kilowatt device might produce roughly 1,000 kilowatt-hours a year (about a 10% capacity factor), and that, under his assumptions, a 20¢/kWh credit would translate to roughly $200 a year in benefit. At an assumed $3,000 upfront cost (the witness used $3k as an example), that would yield a long payback period — Forr estimated roughly a 12-year payback in his scenario — and may place the devices out of reach for lower-income renters.

The Division of Fire Safety also raised installation and responder concerns. An official identified in the transcript as Deroscher, the division’s director, said many units will be plugged into outdoor receptacles and warned that improper use of extension cords (for example, run through sliding doors) could create hazards. He said the division lacks authority to regulate household electrical wiring but can investigate unsafe installations when complaints arise. He recommended the committee hear the electrical chief inspector for technical detail and said he would consult a senior engineer at Underwriters Laboratories to clarify differences between UL listing and certification and provide follow-up.

The committee pressed witnesses on next steps: Forr suggested the panel consult utilities on interconnection and metering mechanics, require clearer language on export compensation, and consider consumer-education and claims-regulation elements. The moderator noted utilities are scheduled to testify through Thursday, and witnesses were asked to submit written testimony to staff.