CA AB51

Requires electric utilities to aggregate electrical loads of agricultural customer-generators under the same ownership on adjacent or contiguous property when determining if they are net consumers or net surplus generators during a 12-month period.

Expands net energy metering eligibility to eligible customer-generators until total rated generating capacity exceeds 5 percent of the electric utility's aggregate customer peak demand (increased from 2.5% limitation that was in effect until December 31, 2010).

Permits eligible customer-generators to receive net surplus electricity compensation for excess electricity generated, or alternatively apply it as a credit for future electricity supplied by the utility.

Requires electric utilities to make net energy metering contracts and forms available online and process service requests within 30 working days of receiving a completed application.

Mandates that net energy metering contracts remain identical to standard customer contracts in rate structure and charges, prohibiting new standby charges or fees that would increase costs for customer-generators compared to non-participating customers in the same rate class.