CS/CS/HB 1391 Summary

• Establishes the Sustainable Community Demonstration Project program to certify projects demonstrating economic, technological, and environmental benefits through innovative infrastructure including renewable energy systems and smart grid technologies.

• Requires certified projects to be at least 2,500 contiguous acres, meet majority of electricity needs from renewable sources, incorporate smart grid infrastructure, and produce more electricity than projected annual community use.

• Authorizes the Public Service Commission to approve all reasonable and prudent costs for renewable energy facilities (less than 75 megawatts) as part of certified projects under the environmental cost-recovery clause, capped at 5 cents per 1,000 kilowatt hours per month.

• Requires providers to initiate cost recovery proceedings with the Public Service Commission by July 1, 2013, and submit initial project evaluation results to the Department of Economic Opportunity and Governor by July 1, 2014, then biennially.

• Directs Department of Economic Opportunity to certify qualifying projects that meet comprehensive infrastructure requirements, accountability plans, and demonstrate positive return on investment through job creation and economic activity.