PROVIDENCE – Despite the fiscal 2018 budget standoff, the R.I. General Assembly did manage to pass various pieces of legislation, including a new law expanding remote net-metering capabilities in Rhode Island.
Net metering is a program allowing renewable-energy owners to sell excess electricity generated back into the grid, which is consumed elsewhere. The generator – or renewable-energy owner – is subsequently rewarded for the excess electricity with credits that can be used to offset electricity costs.
Until last year, however, only municipalities could also take advantage of “remote net metering,” meaning the electricity could be generated offsite. The program was expanded to allow community members to group together to take advantage of the program, and this year lawmakers expanded it further to allow educational institutions, hospitals, nonprofits and houses of worship.
Rep. Aaron Regunberg, D-Providence, sponsored the legislation and lauded its passage.
“Legislation like this is critical to reaching our economic, energy and climate goals,” Regunberg said. “Expanding remote net metering means more organizations and families can save on their electric bills and more Rhode Islanders can get good-paying jobs installing renewable-energy systems.”
The goal of the legislation is to encourage more organizations to consider remote net metering, even if it’s located in a poor location for wind or solar projects. Renewable advocates also say it could help expand the state’s local clean-energy portfolio and move consumers away from fossil fuel-generated electricity.
“Flexible net-metering policy is another tool that Rhode Island can use to achieve real diversification and help keep the money we spend on energy right here in Rhode Island,” said Sen. Louis P. DiPalma, D-Middletown.
The legislation is currently awaiting approval, veto or passage without signature by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo.
Eli Sherman is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Sherman@PBN.com, or follow him on Twitter @Eli_Sherman.
