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Bill

LC 2789

Generally revise, solar energy laws to allow for community solar projects

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill to establish community solar framework allowing shared solar ownership among multiple residents dies without advancing past drafting stage.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 2789

Legislative bill overview

LC 2789 would revise Montana's solar energy laws to explicitly authorize and establish a framework for community solar projects—allowing multiple residents or businesses to collectively own or subscribe to shared solar installations rather than installing individual systems. The bill died in the legislative process without advancing to a full committee or floor vote.

Why is this important

Community solar expands solar energy access beyond homeowners with suitable roofs or capital for individual installations, enabling renters, low-income households, and those in shaded areas to benefit from solar power and potentially lower energy costs. This could increase Montana's renewable energy capacity and provide more equitable access to solar economics.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory complexity: Establishing community solar requires clear rules on project development, ownership structures, billing mechanisms, and utility interconnection—areas where stakeholders (utilities, solar companies, consumer advocates) often disagree
  • Utility business model concerns: Traditional utilities may worry community solar reduces their revenue and control, potentially resisting favorable interconnection terms or net metering policies
  • Cost allocation and fairness: Questions about how costs, benefits, and risks are distributed among participants, and whether lower-income subscribers receive adequate protections against unfair pricing or project failure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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