FINAL BILL REPORT
EHB 2334
C 158 L 00
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Modifying electric utility net-metering systems.
Sponsors: Representatives Gombosky, DeBolt and Poulsen.
House Committee on Technology, Telecommunications & Energy
Senate Committee on Energy, Technology & Telecommunications
Background:
Net metering is the practice of using a single meter to measure the difference between the total generation and total consumption of electricity by customers with small generating facilities.
Under the net metering law enacted in 1988, electricity customers are permitted to offset the cost and consumption of utility-provided electricity with electricity generated by their own small-scale generation system. Under net metering, the customer's small generation system is connected to the utility grid, and electricity produced by the customer's system flows onto the utility grid, spinning a bi-directional electricity meter backwards. Utilities must offer net metering until the cumulative generating capacity of all systems equals 0.1 percent of the utility's 1996 peak demand.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device in which hydrogen and oxygen combine in a controlled manner (in contrast to combustion or explosion) to directly produce an electric current and heat.
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Summary:
The statutory definition of net metering systems is amended to include systems generated by fuel cells.
A portion of the cumulative generating capacity is set aside for meeting net metering systems that use solar, wind, or hydropower.
Electric utilities are not liable for allowing the attachment of a net metering system, or the acts or omissions of a customer-generator, that causes injury, loss or death to a third party.
If a customer-generator complies with all the safety and interconnection requirements of the appropriate governing body, the customer is not required to purchase additional liability insurance or pay for additional tests of his or her equipment.
Votes on Final Passage:
House952
Senate450
Effective:June 8, 2000