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HB 2579

Modifies provisions for net metering

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Banderman

Missouri HB 2579 requires utilities to offer net metering up to 5% of peak load with fair rates, clear interconnection steps, and consumer protections for customer-generators.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2579

Purpose and overall intent

Missouri HB 2579 revises the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act to modify how net metering is defined, how it is offered by electric utilities, and related interconnection and consumer protections. The bill aims to clarify standards for customer-generators (those who install small-scale renewable energy systems) and to ensure consistent, transparent processes for interconnection, billing, and disclosures.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions and scope

    • Recasts the definitions of “customer-generator” and “net metering,” focusing on renewable-energy systems (up to 100 kW nameplate capacity) that offset the customer’s own energy use and interconnect with a retail electric supplier.
    • Specifies safety, performance, interconnection, and reliability standards from national codes and authorities.

  • Net metering availability and capacity limits

    • Utilities must offer net metering on a first-come, first-served basis until net metering capacity reaches 5% of the supplier’s single-hour peak load from the previous year.
    • After reaching 5%, the commission or governing body may increase the cap. In any calendar year, interconnection approvals can be limited if already approved capacity equals or exceeds 1% of the prior year’s peak load.

  • Rate structure and billing

    • Net metering must be offered at rates and structure identical to what the customer would receive if not generating, or at rates designed to recover fixed and demand costs not eliminated by the customer’s generation.
    • Credits for excess generation are issued at least equal to the avoided fuel cost and expire after 12 months or upon disconnection.
    • For some co-ops or municipally owned utilities, credits may be provided by the wholesale generator, subject to agreement.

  • Interconnection process and costs

    • Customers must have metering capable of net measurement; if upgrades are needed, the customer may be charged, or costs may be paid upfront by the utility with reimbursement over up to 12 billing cycles.
    • Interconnection applications have set response times: 30 days for systems 10 kW or less, 90 days for larger systems.
    • An independent certification by a qualified professional is required before interconnection; if not licensed, the supplier may require a bond.

  • Operational and safety requirements

    • Systems with battery backup must be isolated from the utility system during backup operation.
    • Utilities cannot impose non authorized charges beyond those allowed in the section, with certain exceptions for safety features (e.g., disconnect capability).

  • Disclosure, consumer protection, and enforcement

    • Utilities must annually disclose net metering program availability to customers.
    • Non-utility sellers of eligible generation units must provide prospective customers with a detailed proposal (minimum five business days to evaluate), conduct an energy efficiency audit, and prove compliance with safety and permitting requirements.
    • Violations may be enforced by the Missouri Attorney General under the merchandising practices act.

Who is affected

  • Retail electric suppliers (municipal utilities, investor-owned electric utilities, and rural electric cooperatives) must offer net metering under the specified terms.
  • Customer-generators (households or entities installing up to 100 kW renewable energy systems).
  • Non-utility sellers of generation units and net metering services, due to consumer-protection provisions.
  • State and local regulators (Public Service Commission and governing bodies) responsible for setting caps and approving interconnection processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Initial deadline for rulemaking: nine months from January 1, 2008 (with subsequent regulatory duties assigned to utilities and governing bodies).
  • Net metering capacity caps and review mechanics are described, with annual reporting by electric corporations and other retailers.
  • Interconnection approvals have defined response windows (30 or 90 days) and remediation/renewal timelines if approvals lapse.

Note: The bill text uses a 2008 reference for rulemaking timelines, indicating long-standing transitional provisions that would be updated through implementing regulations.

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

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