Montana Code 69-8-602. Utility net metering requirements
69-8-602. (Temporary) Utility net metering requirements. A utility shall:
Terms Used In Montana Code 69-8-602
- commission: means the public service commission provided for in 2-15-2602. See Montana Code 69-1-101
- Customer-generator: means a user of a net metering system. See Montana Code 69-8-103
- Net metering: means measuring the difference between the electricity distributed to and the electricity generated by a customer-generator that is fed back to the distribution system during the applicable billing period. See Montana Code 69-8-103
- Utility: means any public utility or cooperative utility. See Montana Code 69-8-103
(1)allow net metering systems to be interconnected using a standard kilowatt-hour meter capable of registering the flow of electricity in two directions, unless the commission determines, after appropriate notice and opportunity for comment:
(a)that the use of additional metering equipment to monitor the flow of electricity in each direction is necessary and appropriate for the interconnection of net metering systems, after taking into account the benefits and costs of purchasing and installing additional metering equipment; and
(b)how the costs of net metering are to be allocated between the customer-generator and the utility; and
(2)charge the customer-generator a minimum monthly fee that is the same as other customers of the electric utility in the same rate class. The commission shall determine, after appropriate notice and opportunity for comment if:
(a)the utility will incur direct costs associated with interconnecting or administering net metering systems that exceed any offsetting benefits associated with these net metering systems; and
(b)public policy is best served by imposing these costs on the customer-generator, rather than allocating these costs among the utility’s entire customer base.