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A bill would expand net metering limits and access to community solar power.
Georgia State Senator Jason Anavitarte has sponsored SB 210, a bill to expand net metering and community solar power. The bill has received strong support from the Georgia Solar Energy Industries Association (GASEIA).
The bill, called the Georgia Homegrown Solar Act of 2023, would increase the states net metering cap from 0.2% of annual peak demand to 5%, giving a broader set of homeowners the opportunity to reap the benefits of a net metered rooftop solar installation. The bill also includes a 20-year seniority right for customers who adopt a net metering agreement.
Residential systems eligible for net metering go from 10 kW to 15 kW. Non-residential customers would go from 100 kW to 125% of the maximum annual demand. The bill would also allow a flat $20 monthly fee for solar customers, but includes language to prevent other discriminatory fees against solar customers.
Bill 210 also allows tax-exempt organizations such as nonprofits, churches, and government entities to aggregate electricity demand from multiple locations. These organizations can subscribe to outside solar installations of 3 MW or less.
The bill also contains consumer protection provisions, which oblige utility companies to transparently report energy consumption. Meter readings must be provided “in machine-readable electronic format, at no additional charge” and such access “shall be provided at 15-minute intervals or the shortest interval available through existing meters.” Utility companies will be required to retain at least 24 months of meter usage data for each customer account.
GASEIA President Pete Corbett said that following significant legislation in 2013 and 2015, Georgia has seen remarkable growth in the solar industry. It is in the top ten states for solar deployment with more than 4.5 GW of installed capacity through the third quarter of 2022.
“Senate Bill 210 seeks to build on these strong measures by improving the community solar market and updating the net metering provisions in the law,” Corbett said.
December Decision
This bill follows a December 2022 decision by the Public Service Commission (PSC) to raise electricity rates, maintain the low net metering cap, and impose a $100 interconnection fee to new clients.
The PSC decided to apply a net metering export fee of $0.668 per kWh to the main utility, Georgia Power, and maintained the hard cap of only 5,000 customers allowed to access net metering. While previous customers received a bill credit for exported solar energy, under the new rule customers will first have to pay their full electricity bill and will later receive payment for their grid contribution separately.
“The commissioners had all the information and data they needed to expand the monthly compensation pilot program and stimulate the Georgia rooftop solar market, but they simply decided against it,” said Kevin Lucas, policy director for the Association. of Solar Energy Industries.
Lucas said the decision "will keep the states rooftop solar sector mired at the bottom of the national rankings."
At the time of the decision, Allison Kvien, director of southeast regulation at Vote Solar said, “As we start a new legislative session in a few weeks, we are going to be looking to state legislators to take real action and make Georgia a place where people have the ability and the real and affordable option to manage their energy bills through the adoption of rooftop solar.”
Senate Bill 210, if passed, would offer some of the benefits that Kvien and other industry advocates and the public seek. |
