Montana Code 69-8-611. Classification of service — net metering customers
69-8-611. Classification of service — net metering customers. (1) After a study is completed in accordance with 69-8-610 and subject to subsections (2) and (4) of this section, if the commission finds that customer-generators should be served under a separate classification of service as part of a public utility‘s general rate case, it shall establish appropriate classifications and rates based on the commission’s findings relative to:
Terms Used In Montana Code 69-8-611
- commission: means the public service commission provided for in 2-15-2602. See Montana Code 69-1-101
- 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
- Public utility: has the meaning of a public utility regulated by the commission pursuant to Title 69, chapter 3, on May 2, 1997, including the public utility's successors or assignees. See Montana Code 69-8-103
- Utility: means any public utility or cooperative utility. See Montana Code 69-8-103
(a)the utility system benefits of the net metering resource; and
(b)the cost to provide service to customer-generators.
(2)The commission may, based on differences between net metering systems, establish subclassifications and rates as part of a public utility’s general rate case.
(3)The commission may approve separate rates for customer-generators’ production and consumption and require separate metering subject to 69-8-602 if it finds it is in the public interest and as part of a public utility’s general rate case.
(4)If a public utility files a general rate case in accordance with Title 69, chapter 3, the general rate case must include the study required in accordance with 69-8-610 and be used by the commission to meet the requirements of the review of classifications of service required in this section.