Senate committee hears bill to consolidate community solar billing; supporters say it improves access for low-income customers

Sen. Stephanie Hanson introduced SB321, a bill to require utility consolidated billing (also called net crediting) for community solar customers so subscribers receive a single utility bill that shows the community solar credit. The sponsor told the committee the change is meant to simplify billing and encourage broader participation in community solar.

Caitlin Kelly O'Neil, vice president of policy for ECA Power, testified that net crediting "the customer sees immediately how much they're saving in a much more transparent way," and that consolidated billing makes it easier for low-income and unbanked customers to enroll because they can pay through their existing utility payment methods. James Feinstein of Perch Energy extended that point in virtual testimony, saying consolidated billing "is unparalleled in its ability to improve access to clean energy and guaranteed savings."

John Nichols opposed the change, saying consolidated billing "eliminates the transparency on which any honest evaluation of the program depends" and warned that removing the separate subscription invoice could obscure gross credits, subscription fees and net savings. The state's Public Advocate, Jamieson Tweedy, said drafting addressed earlier concerns by adding an escrow mechanism to cover nonpayments and by guaranteeing mandatory savings — 10% for residential customers and 20% for income-qualified customers.

Committee members asked clarifying questions and several stakeholders said the bill reflects substantial stakeholder negotiation. The committee did not record a formal vote on SB321 during the session; the sponsor indicated the bill would proceed to circulate for signatures and that members had signaled support.