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Panel adopts disclosure requirements, directs PUC ombudsman to publish interconnection cost averages
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to advance LD 19 64 with amendments requiring a standard written disclosure for sellers/installers of distributed generation, DOE model forms, and an ombudsman‑published average interconnection cost table by project size (reporting by March 1, posted by May 1).
The Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee unanimously voted to report LD 19 64 "ought to pass as amended," adding a standard written disclosure for sellers or lessors of solar equipment and directing the Department of Energy Resources to publish model forms.
The amendment incorporated public advocate language and added a new requirement directing transmission and distribution utilities to provide the Public Utilities Commission interconnection ombudsman with prior‑calendar‑year interconnection cost data. The ombudsman would publish average interconnection costs by project size (level 1, level 2, etc.) to be used in disclosure forms; the committee agreed on a March 1 reporting date from utilities and a May 1 posting deadline for the ombudsman.
Industry (Versant Power) supported the amendment, asking for clear deadlines and pointing to developer concerns about realistic interconnection cost estimates. The PUC and public advocate indicated support for the revised language and for a process to make real data available to consumers and developers.
The committee adopted the amendment and voted unanimously to advance the bill. The amendment is expected to reduce soft costs and give consumers better information about likely interconnection expenses.
