HB 4879 Summary

• Renames the "net metering program" to "customer generation program" and expands eligible technologies to include renewable energy systems, cogeneration systems fueled by natural gas, and waste heat recovery systems.

• Extends the program duration from 10 to 20 years and removes the previous limit restricting customer generation capacity to only meeting the customer's electric needs.

• Establishes fair value tariff requirements for generators with capacity of 500 kilowatts or more, requiring utilities to credit excess generation at rates including avoided costs and allowing customers to retain renewable energy credits.

• Creates provisions for standard-offer contracts with fixed pricing for 20+ years for larger generators, indexed to consumer price index, and designed to facilitate commercial financing.

• Requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to establish uniform interconnection requirements, application processes, and metering standards statewide within 180 days.