110 HR 2848 IH: Solar Opportunity and Local Access U.S. House of Representatives 2007-06-25 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2848 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 25, 2007 Mr. Cardoza (for himself and Mr. Ferguson) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, and Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to promote energy independence and self-sufficiency by providing for the use of net metering by certain small electric energy generation systems, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act.

2.

Net metering and interconnection standards

(a)

In general

Section 113 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2623) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d)

Net metering

(1)

Definitions

In this subsection and subsection (e): (A)

Customer-generator

The term customer-generator means the owner or operator of a qualified generation unit. (B)

Electric generation unit

The term electric generation unit means— (i)a qualified generation unit; and (ii)any electric generation unit that qualifies for net metering under a net metering tariff or rule approved by a State. (C)

Local distribution system

The term local distribution system means any system for the distribution of electric energy to the ultimate consumer of the electricity, whether or not the owner or operator of the system is a retail electric supplier. (D)

Net metering

The term net metering means the process of— (i)measuring the difference between the electricity supplied to a customer-generator and the electricity generated by the customer-generator that is delivered to a local distribution system at the same point of interconnection during an applicable billing period; and (ii)providing an energy credit to the customer-generator in the form of a kilowatt-hour credit for each kilowatt-hour of energy produced by the customer-generator from a qualified generation unit. (E)

Qualified generation unit

The term qualified generation unit means an electric energy generation unit that uses as the energy source of the unit solar energy to generate electricity to heat or cool. (i)has a generating capacity of not more than 2,000 kilowatts; (ii)is located on premises that are owned, operated, leased, or otherwise controlled by the customer-generator; (iii)operates in parallel with the retail electric supplier; and (iv)is intended primarily to offset all or part of the requirements of the customer-generator for electric energy. (F)

Retail electric supplier

The term retail electric supplier means any electric utility that sells electric energy to the ultimate consumer of the energy. (2)

Adoption

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the State regulatory authority has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility, shall— (A)provide public notice and conduct a hearing with respect to the standards established under paragraph (3); and (B)on the basis of the hearing, adopt the standard. (3)

Establishment of net metering standard

(A)

In general

Each retail electric supplier shall offer to arrange (either directly or through a local distribution company or other third party) to make net metering available, on a first-come, first-served basis, to each of the retail customers of the retail electric supplier in accordance with the requirements described in subparagraph (B) and other provisions of this subsection. (B)

Requirements

The requirements referred to in subparagraph (A) are, with respect to a retail electric supplier, that— (i)rates and charges and contract terms and conditions for the sale of electric energy to customer-generators shall be the same as the rates and charges and contract terms and conditions that would be applicable if the customer-generator did not own or operate a qualified generation unit and use a net metering system; and (ii)each retail electric supplier shall notify all of the retail customers of the retail electric supplier of the standard established under this paragraph as soon as practicable after the adoption of the standard. (4)

Net energy measurement

(A)

In general

Each retail electric supplier shall arrange to provide to customer-generators who qualify for net metering under subsection (b) an electrical energy meter capable of net metering and measuring, to the maximum extent practicable, the flow of electricity to or from the customer, using a single meter and single register. (B)

Impracticability

In a case in which it is not practicable to provide a meter to a customer-generator under subparagraph (A), a retail electric supplier (either directly or through a local distribution company or other third party) shall, at the expense of the retail electric supplier, install 1 or more of those electric energy meters for the customer-generators concerned. (5)

Billing

(A)

In general

Each retail electric supplier subject to subsection (b) shall calculate the electric energy consumption for a customer using a net metering system in accordance with subparagraphs (B) through (D). (B)

Measurement of electricity

The retail electric supplier shall measure the net electricity produced or consumed during the billing period using the metering installed in accordance with paragraph (4). (C)

Billing and crediting

(i)

Billing

If the electricity supplied by the retail electric supplier exceeds the electricity generated by the customer-generator during the billing period, the customer-generator shall be billed for the net electric energy supplied by the retail electric supplier in accordance with normal billing practices (ii)

Crediting

(I)

In general

If electric energy generated by the customer-generator exceeds the electric energy supplied by the retail electric supplier during the billing period, the customer-generator shall be billed for the appropriate customer charges for that billing period and credited for the excess electric energy generated during the billing period, with the credit appearing as a kilowatt-hour credit on the bill for the following billing period. (II)

Application of credits

Any kilowatt-hour credits provided to a customer-generator under this clause shall be applied to customer-generator electric energy consumption on the following billing period bill (except for a billing period that ends in the next calendar year). (III)

Carryover of unused credits

At the beginning of each 12-month period, any unused kilowatt-hour credits remaining from the preceding year will carry over to the new 12-month period. (D)

Use of time-differentiated rates

(i)

In general

Except as provided in clause (ii), if a customer-generator is using a meter and retail billing arrangement that has time-differentiated rates— (I)the kilowatt-hour credit shall be based on the ratio representing the difference in retail rates for each time-of-use rate; or (II)the credits shall be reflected on the bill of the customer-generator as a monetary credit reflecting retail rates at the time of generation of the electric energy by the customer-generator. (ii)

Different tariffs or services

A retail electric supplier shall offer a customer-generator the choice of a time-differentiated energy tariff rate or a nontime-differentiated energy tariff rate, if the retail electric supplier offers the choice to customers in the same rate class as the customer-generator. (6)

Percent limitations

(A)

4 percent limitation

The standard established under this subsection shall not apply for a calendar year in the case of a customer-generator served by a local distribution company if the total generating capacity of all customer-generators with net metering systems served by the local distribution company in the calendar year is equal to or more than 4 percent of the capacity necessary to meet the average forecasted aggregate customer peak demand of the company for the calendar year. (B)

2 percent limitation

The standard established under this subsection shall not apply for a 12-month period in the case of a customer-generator served by a local distribution company if the total generating capacity of all customer-generators with net metering systems served by the local distribution company in the calendar year using a single type of qualified generation units (as described in paragraph (1)(D)(i)) is equal to or more than 2 percent of the capacity necessary to meet the forecasted aggregate customer peak demand of the company for the calendar year. (C)

Records and notice

(i)

Records

Each retail electric supplier shall maintain, and make available to the public, records of— (I)the total generating capacity of customer-generators of the system of the retail electric supplier that are using net metering; and (II)the type of generating systems and energy source used by the electric generating systems used by the customer-generators. (ii)

Notice

Each such retail electric supplier shall notify the State regulatory authority and the Commission at each time at which the total generating capacity of the customer-generators of the retail electric supplier reaches a level that equals or exceeds— (I)75 percent of the limitation specified in subparagraph (B); or (II)the limitation specified in subparagraph (B). (7)

Ownership of credits

(A)

In general

For purposes of Federal and State laws providing renewable energy credits or greenhouse gas credits, a customer-generator with a qualified generation unit and net metering shall be treated as owning and having title to the renewable energy attributes, renewable energy credits and greenhouse gas emission credits relating to any electricity produced by the qualified generation unit. (B)

Retail electric suppliers

No retail electric supplier shall claim title to or ownership of any renewable energy attributes, renewable energy credits, or greenhouse gas emission credits of a customer-generator as a result of interconnecting the customer-generator or providing or offering the customer-generator net metering. (8)

Safety and performance standards

(A)

In general

A qualified generation unit and net metering system used by a customer-generator shall meet all applicable safety and performance and reliability standards established by— (i)the national electrical code; (ii)the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; (iii)Underwriters Laboratories; or (iv)the American National Standards Institute. (B)

Additional charges

The Commission shall, after consultation with State regulatory authorities and nonregulated local distribution systems and after notice and opportunity for comment, prohibit by regulation the imposition of additional charges by retail electric suppliers and local distribution systems for equipment or services for safety or performance that are in addition to those necessary to meet the standards and requirements referred to in subparagraph (A) and subsection (e). (9)

Determination of compliance

(A)

In general

Any State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the authority has ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility, may apply to the Commission for a determination that any State net metering requirement or regulations complies with this subsection. (B)

Orders

In the absence of a determination under subparagraph (A), the Commission, on the motion of the Commission or pursuant to the petition of any interested person, may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record, issue an order requiring against any retail electric supplier or local distribution company to require compliance with this subsection. (C)

Enforcement

(i)

In general

Any person who violates this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $500 for each day that the violation continues. (ii)

Assessment

The penalty may be assessed by the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, in the same manner as penalties are assessed under section 31(d) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 823b(d)). (e)

Interconnection standards

(1)

Model standards

(A)

In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall publish model standards for the physical connection between local distribution systems and qualified generation units and electric generation units that— (i)are qualified generation units (as defined in subsection (d)(1)(D) (other than clause (ii) of subsection (d)(1)(D)); and (ii)do not exceed 2,000 kilowatts of capacity. (B)

Purposes

The model standards shall be designed to— (i)encourage the use of qualified generation units; and (ii)ensure the safety and reliability of the qualified generation units and the local distribution systems interconnected with the qualified generation units. (C)

Expedited procedures

(i)

In general

The model standards shall have 2 separate expedited procedures, including— (I)a standard for interconnecting qualified generation units of not more than 15 kilowatts; and (II)a separate standard that expedites interconnection for qualified generation units of more than 15 kilowatts but not more than 2,000 kilowatts. (ii)

Best practices

The expedited procedures shall be based on the best practices that have been used in States that have adopted interconnection standards. (iii)

Model Rule

In designing the expedited procedures, the Commission shall consider Interstate Renewable Energy Council Model Rule MR–I2005. (D)

Adoption of standards

(i)

In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, each State shall— (I)adopt the model standards established under this paragraph, with or without modification; and (II)submit the standards to the Commission for approval. (ii)

Approval of modification

The Commission shall approve a modification of the model standards only if the Commission determines that the modification is— (I)consistent with or superior to the purpose of the standards; and (II)required by reason of local conditions. (E)

Nonapproval of standards for a State

If standards have not been approved under this paragraph by the Commission for any State during the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall, by rule or order, enforce the model standards of the Commission in the State until such time as State standards are approved by the Commission. (F)

Updates

(i)

In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection and after notice and opportunity for comment, the Commission shall publish an update of the model standards, after considering changes in the underlying standards and technologies. (ii)

Availability

The updates shall be made available to State regulatory authorities for the consideration of the authorities. (2)

Safety, reliability, performance, and cost

(A)

In general

The standards under this subsection shall establish such measures for the safety and reliability of the affected equipment and local distribution systems as are appropriate. (B)

Administration

The standards shall— (i)be consistent with all applicable safety and performance standards established by— (I)the national electrical code; (II)the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; (III)Underwriters Laboratories; or (IV)the American National Standards Institute; and (ii)impose not more than such minimum cost and technical burdens to the interconnecting customer generator as the Commission determines, by rule, are practicable. (3)

Additional charges

The model standards under this subsection shall prohibit the imposition of additional charges by local distribution systems for equipment or services for interconnection that are in excess of— (A)the charges necessary to meet the standards; and (B)the charges and equipment requirements identified in the best practices of States with interconnection standards. (4)

Relationship to existing law regarding interconnection

Nothing in this subsection affects the application of section 111(d)(15) relating to interconnection. (5)

Consumer-friendly contracts

(A)

In general

The Commission shall— (i)promulgate regulations that ensure that simplified contracts will be used for the interconnection of electric energy by electric energy transmission or local distribution systems and generating facilities that have a power production capacity of not greater than 2,000 kilowatts; and (ii)consider the best practices for consumer-friendly contracts that are used by States or national associations of State regulators. (B)

Liability or insurance

The contracts shall not require liability or other insurance in excess of the liability or insurance that is typically carried by customer-generators for general liability. . (b)

Conforming amendment

Section 1262 of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16451) is amended by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following: (5)

Electric utility company

(A)

In general

The term electric utility company means any company that owns or operates facilities used for the generation, transmission, or distribution of electric energy for sale. (B)

Exclusion

The term electric utility company does not include an electric generation unit (as defined in section 113(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978). .

3.

Relationship to State law

Section 117(b) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2627(b)) is amended— (1)by striking Nothing and inserting the following: (1)

In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), nothing ; and (2)by adding at the end the following: (2)

Net metering and interconnection standards

(A)

In general

Subject to subparagraph (B), no State or nonregulated utility may adopt or enforce any standard or requirement concerning net metering or interconnection that restricts access to the electric power transmission or local distribution system by qualified generators beyond those standards and requirements established under section 113. (B)

Equivalent or greater access

Nothing in this Act precludes a State from adopting or enforcing incentives or requirements to encourage qualified generation and net metering that— (i)are in addition to or equivalent to incentives or requirements under section 113; or (ii)afford greater access to the electric power transmission and local distribution systems by qualified generators (as defined in section 113) or afford greater compensation or credit for electricity generated by the qualified generators. .

4.

Contracts for renewable energy for executive agencies

Section 501(b)(1)(B) of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1)by striking A contract and inserting the following: (i)

In general

Except as provided in clause (ii), a contract ; and (2)by adding at the end the following: (ii)

Renewable energy

A contract for renewable energy (as defined in section 203(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15852(b))) may be made for a period of not more than 30 years. .

5.

Solar energy systems building permit requirements for receipt of community development block grant funds

Section 104 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n)

Requirements for building permits regarding solar energy systems

(1)

In general

A grant under section 106 for a fiscal year may be made only if the grantee certifies to the Secretary that— (A)in the case of a grant under section 106(a) for any Indian tribe or insular area, during such fiscal year the cost of any permit or license, for construction or installation of any solar energy system for any structure, that is required by the tribe or insular area or by any other unit of general local government or other political subdivision of such tribe or insular area, complies with paragraph (2); (B)in the case of a grant under section 106(b) for any metropolitan city or urban county, during such fiscal year the cost of any permit or license, for construction or installation of any solar energy system for any structure, that is required by the metropolitan city or urban county, or by any other political subdivision of such city or county, complies with paragraph (2); and (C)in the case of a grant under section 106(d) for any State, during such fiscal year the cost of any permit or license, for construction or installation of any solar energy system for any structure, that is required by the State, or by any other unit of general local government within any nonentitlement area of such State, or other political subdivision within any nonentitlement area of such State or such a unit of general local government, complies with paragraph (2). (2)

Limitation on cost

The cost of permit or license for construction or installation of any solar energy system complies with this paragraph only if such cost does not exceed the following amount: (A)

Residential structures

In the case of a structure primarily for residential use, $500. (B)

Nonresidential structures

In the case of a structure primarily for nonresidential use, 1.0 percent of the total cost of the installation or construction of the solar energy system, but not in excess of $10,000. (3)

Noncompliance

If the Secretary determines that a grantee of a grant made under section 106 is not in compliance with a certification under paragraph (1)— (A)the Secretary shall notify the grantee of such determination; and (B)if the grantee has not corrected such noncompliance before the expiration of the 6-month period beginning upon notification under subparagraph (A), such grantee shall not be eligible for 5 percent of any amounts awarded under a grant under section 106 for the first fiscal year that commences after the expiration of such 6-month period. (4)

Solar energy system

For purposes of this subsection, the term solar energy system means, with respect to a structure, equipment that uses solar energy to generate electricity for, or to heat or cool (or provide hot water for use in), such structure. .

6.

Prohibition of restrictions on residential installation of solar energy system

(a)

Regulations

Within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall issue regulations— (1)to prohibit any private covenant, contract provision, lease provision, homeowners’ association rule or bylaw, or similar restriction, that impairs the ability of the owner or lessee of any residential structure designed for occupancy by 1 family to install, construct, maintain, or use a solar energy system on such residential property; and (2)to require that whenever any such covenant, provision, rule or bylaw, or restriction requires approval for the installation or use of a solar energy system, the application for approval shall be processed and approved by the appropriate approving entity in the same manner as an application for approval of an architectural modification to the property, and shall not be willfully avoided or delayed. (b)

Contents

The regulations required under subsection (a) shall provide that— (1)such a covenant, provision, rule or bylaw, or restriction impairs the installation, construction, maintenance, or use of a solar energy system if it— (A)unreasonably delays or prevents installation, maintenance, or use; (B)unreasonably increases the cost of installation, maintenance, or use; or (C)precludes use of such a system; and (2)any fee or cost imposed on the owner or lessee of such a residential structure by such a covenant, provision, rule or bylaw, or restriction shall be considered unreasonable if— (A)such fee or cost is not reasonable in comparison to the cost of the solar energy system or the value of its use; or (B)treatment of solar energy systems by the covenant, provision, rule or bylaw, or restriction is not reasonable in comparison with treatment of comparable systems by the same covenant, provision, rule or bylaw, or restriction. (c)

Solar energy system

For purposes of this section, the term solar energy system means, with respect to a structure, equipment that uses solar energy to generate electricity for, or to heat or cool (or provide hot water for use in), such structure.

7.

Center for Advanced Solar Research

(a)

Establishment

The Secretary of Energy shall establish a Center for Advanced Solar Research and Development within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to carry out an advanced solar research and development program to coordinate and promote the further development of solar technologies. This program shall include a competitive grant program for academia and private research in solar technologies. The Center shall serve as a clearinghouse for United States solar research and development, supporting research, development, and demonstration of advanced solar energy systems. The Center shall advance— (1)performance, reliability, environmental impact, and cost-competiveness of solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies; (2)large-scale photovoltaic and solar thermal power plants; (3)thermal and electricity storage technologies to enhance the dispatchability of solar energy; (4)fuel production technologies using solar energy; (5)innovation in manufacturing techniques and processes for solar energy systems; (6)materials and devices to improve photovoltaic conversion efficiencies and reduce costs; (7)policy analysis aimed at increasing use of solar energy technologies, and monitoring the effectiveness of existing policies; and (8)comprehensive solar systems integration. (b)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for carrying out this section $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011, to remain available until expended.