November 19, 2008, Introduced by Rep. Miller and referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology.
A bill to amend 2008 PA 295, entitled
"Clean, renewable, and efficient energy act,"
by amending sections 143 and 173 (MCL 460.1143 and 460.1173).
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec.
143. Within 60 days after the effective date of this act
October 6, 2008, the commission shall create the wind energy
resource zone board. The board shall consist of 9 members, as
follows:
(a) 1 member representing the commission.
(b) 2 members representing the electric utility industry.
(c) 1 member representing alternative electric suppliers.
(d) 1 member representing the attorney general.
(e) 1 member representing the renewable energy industry.
(f) 1 member representing cities and villages.
(g) 1 member representing townships.
(h) 1 member representing independent transmission companies.
(i) 1 member representing a statewide environmental
organization.
(j) 1 member representing the public at large.
Sec. 173. (1) The commission shall establish a statewide net
metering
program by order issued not later than 180 days after the
effective
date of this act October 6,
2008. No later than 180 days
after
the effective date of this act October 6, 2008, the
commission shall promulgate rules regarding any time limits on the
submission of net metering applications or inspections of net
metering equipment and any other matters the commission considers
necessary to implement this part. Any rules adopted regarding time
limits for approval of parallel operation shall recognize
reliability and safety complications including those arising from
equipment saturation, use of multiple technologies, and proximity
to synchronous motor loads. The program shall apply to all electric
utilities and alternative electric suppliers in this state. Except
as otherwise provided under this part, customers of any class are
eligible to interconnect eligible electric generators with the
customer's local electric utility and operate the generators in
parallel with the distribution system. The program shall be
designed for a period of not less than 10 years and limit each
customer to generation capacity designed to meet only the
customer's electric needs. The commission may waive the
application, interconnection, and installation requirements of this
part for customers participating in the net metering program under
the commission's March 29, 2005 order in case no. U-14346.
(2) An electric utility or alternative electric supplier is
not required to allow for net metering that is greater than 1% of
its in-state peak load for the preceding calendar year. The utility
or supplier shall notify the commission if its net metering program
reaches the 1% requirement under this subsection. The 1% limit
under this subsection shall be allocated as follows:
(a) No more than 0.5% for customers with a system capable of
generating 20 kilowatts or less.
(b) No more than 0.25% for customers with a system capable of
generating more than 20 kilowatts but not more than 150 kilowatts.
(c) No more than 0.25% for customers with a system capable of
generating more than 150 kilowatts.
(3) Selection of customers for participation in the net
metering program shall be based on the order in which the
applications for participation in the net metering program are
received by the electric utility or alternative electric supplier.
(4) An electric utility or alternative electric supplier shall
not refuse to provide or discontinue electric service to a customer
solely for the reason that the customer participates in the net
metering program.
(5) The program created under subsection (1) shall include all
of the following:
(a) Statewide uniform interconnection requirements for all
eligible electric generators. The interconnection requirements
shall be designed to protect electric utility workers and equipment
and the general public.
(b) Net metering equipment and its installation must meet all
current local and state electric and construction code
requirements. Any equipment that is certified by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory to IEEE 1547.1 testing standards and
in compliance with UL 1741 scope 1.1A, effective May 7, 2007, and
installed in compliance with this part is considered to be eligible
equipment. Within the time provided by the commission in rules
promulgated under subsection (1) and consistent with good utility
practice, protection of electric utility workers, protection of
electric utility equipment, and protection of the general public,
an electric utility may study, confirm, and ensure that an eligible
electric generator installation at the customer's site meets the
IEEE 1547 anti-islanding requirements. Utility testing and approval
of the interconnection and execution of a parallel operating
agreement must be completed prior to the equipment operating in
parallel with the distribution system of the utility.
(c) A uniform application form and process to be used by all
electric utilities and alternative electric suppliers in this
state. Customers who are served by an alternative electric supplier
shall submit a copy of the application to the electric utility for
the customer's service area.
(d) Net metering customers with a system capable of generating
20 kilowatts or less qualify for true net metering.
(e) Net metering customers with a system capable of generating
more than 20 kilowatts qualify for modified net metering.
(6) Each electric utility and alternative electric supplier
shall maintain records of all applications and up-to-date records
of all active eligible electric generators located within their
service area.