HCS HB 869 -- ELECTRIC ENERGY

SPONSOR:  Bivins (Holsman)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Energy and Environment by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute establishes the Easy Connection Act which
requires all electric utilities including municipal utilities,
electric cooperatives, and utilities regulated by the Missouri
Public Service Commission to provide net metering services to
their customers.  The utilities will pay for a single,
bi-directional meter to allow them to purchase renewable energy
from customer generators.  Net metering will be available based
on a first-come, first-served basis until a net metering system
with 5% of the peak load capacity of an electric utility is
achieved.

A system for creating customer credits based on renewable energy
sales is established, and rules for the operation of the system
are specified.  The commission is authorized to enforce the
provisions of the substitute, and retail electric suppliers are
required to provide annual net metering reports to the
commission.

Rural electric cooperatives and municipalities are required to
develop net metering contracts within nine months of August 28,
2007.  The sale of electric generation units must meet the
requirements of Sections 407.700 - 407.720, RSMo.  Power
generated by customer-generators will count for the purpose of
any renewable energy targets or mandates established by the
General Assembly.  Customers cannot use generation devices in
synchronization with retail electric suppliers without prior
approval.

Retail suppliers will be immune from any lawsuit, unless there is
clear and convincing evidence of fault.  The sellers, installers,
and manufacturers of electric generation units will be liable for
any knowing misrepresentations, and manufacturers may be liable
for product defects.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will allow genuine net
metering in Missouri.  Utilities will not be required to pay for
customer-generated electricity, but individuals will be allowed
to produce renewable energy and lower their electricity bills.
The bill will enhance commerce related to renewable energy and
reduce greenhouse gases.  Farmers will be encouraged to take
advantage of federal tax credits.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Holsman; R. J.
Wilson, Heartland Renewable Energy Society; Erin Nobel, Coalition
for the Environment; Reda Norton; Jordan House; David Manly;
Henry Rentz; Travis Crestwell; and Mitchell Ross.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that forcing utilities
to pay for customer-generated renewable energy is not
economically feasible at this time.

Testifying against the bill was Association of Missouri Electric
Cooperatives.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that net metering is a
positive development and a fair cost-sharing system that must be
implemented.

Testifying on the bill was Missouri Energy Development
Association.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am