Places a moratorium on net metering contracts, subsidies for heat pumps and long-term contracts for the purchasing of solar or wind energy.
Impact
The implications of H6202 are significant for the state's energy landscape as it undermines the existing framework encouraging renewable energy development. By imposing restrictions on net metering and related subsidies, the bill could deter potential investments in renewable infrastructure, which are critical for meeting state and national energy goals. Industry stakeholders have raised concerns that this bill may create uncertainty within the renewable sector, leading to a potential slowdown in advancements related to clean energy technologies.
Summary
House Bill 6202 establishes a moratorium on net metering contracts, long-term contracts for the purchase of solar and wind energy, and subsidies for the installation of heat pumps in Rhode Island. This bill aims to halt any new agreements that would allow customers to generate their own electrical energy through eligible systems, such as solar or wind, effectively freezing the growth of renewable energy projects that rely on these financial agreements. The proposed prohibition is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Contention
The bill has generated a mix of support and opposition among lawmakers and environmental advocates. Supporters argue that the moratorium might provide an opportunity for the state to reevaluate its energy strategies and financial commitments to renewable sources. Conversely, critics view the moratorium as a regressive step backward in facing climate change challenges, suggesting that it could lock Rhode Island into a reliance on non-renewable energy sources and diminish local efforts to promote sustainable practices.
Prohibits utility companies from limiting the eligibility of a net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed under the net metering system to be credited to the consumer.
Prohibits utility companies from limiting eligibility of net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed to be credited to consumer. Also amends definition of excess renewable net-metering credit.
Prohibits utility companies from limiting eligibility of net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed to be credited to consumer. Also amends definition of excess renewable net-metering credit.
Exempts battery energy storage system equipment, solar thermal collectors for commercial applications and solar storage tanks that are part of a commercial solar hot water system from the state sales tax.