HB 4878 Summary

• Establishes community renewable energy systems as renewable energy generation facilities of 2 megawatts or less with at least 10 subscribers, owned by electric providers or entities contracting to sell output to electric providers.

• Requires each subscription to represent at least 100 watts of generating capacity and supply no more than 120% of a subscriber's average annual electricity consumption, with subscriptions transferable to other qualified subscribers.

• Mandates electric providers include community renewable energy system purchases in renewable energy plans, with initial plans requiring standard offers for systems 500 kilowatts or less at comparable prices, acquiring at least half of planned community renewable energy generation through standard offers up to 6 megawatts of new capacity.

• Requires electric providers to purchase all output from approved systems via net metering credits calculated by multiplying subscriber's share of production by provider's retail rate minus a commission-determined delivery charge, with excess credits carried forward to future bills.

• Exempts community renewable energy system owners and subscribers from public utility regulation and subscription price controls, while allowing electric providers to recover a commission-determined margin on community renewable energy purchases and giving preference to systems serving low-income customers.