Sponsor proposes raising threshold for new CPG when adding to existing net‑metered systems

Representative Scott Campbell told the committee H.599 seeks to reduce regulatory friction for homeowners and small sites by changing when an amendment to an existing net‑metered system requires a new Certificate of Public Good (CPG). "[T]he purpose is to allow for modifications to a net metering system without needing an updated certificate of public good if the change does not increase the capacity of the system to more than 25 k w," he said. The sponsor described the change as aligning the threshold with recent statutory adjustments that raised automatic CPG limits for new systems.

Members questioned how added capacity would be treated under net metering and whether adding panels would increase costs to ratepayers. Representative Michael Southworth asked whether the added kilowatts would be included in net metering and whether customers would effectively increase their net‑metering allowance; the sponsor replied additions remain net‑metered but the bill changes whether a new CPG (and a current adder/negative adder) would apply. Several members flagged potential rate impacts, noting prior committee discussion that net‑metering costs had distributional effects and asked utilities to testify about grid impacts, modification fees and the administrative process for amendments.

Next steps: committee members requested utility and PUC testimony on technical and rate impacts before advancing H.599.