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Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 3:57 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2751
The bill includes provisions to ensure that consumers have the ability to choose their preferred community solar project and provider, as well as protections to prevent deceptive marketing practices. It also establishes guidelines for the fair allocation of benefits among participants in community solar projects.
Additionally, the bill seeks to expand access to community solar projects for low-income households and disadvantaged communities, with a focus on ensuring that these groups are able to benefit from the cost savings and environmental benefits of solar energy. Overall, the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2023 aims to increase access to solar energy for all consumers, promote consumer choice in selecting solar energy options, and ensure that low-income households and disadvantaged communities are not left behind in the transition to clean energy.
Congressional Summary of HR 2751
Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2023
This bill sets forth provisions that support access to community solar energy and increases the allowable time period for a long-term contract between the General Services Administration (GSA) and a public utility.
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to increase access to community solar energy programs for individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, states, local governments, and tribal governments. In addition, DOE must, to the extent practicable, expand existing grant, loan, and financing programs to include community solar programs.
Further, the bill modifies requirements under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 for electric utilities, including by requiring each electric utility to offer a community solar program that provides all ratepayers, including low-income ratepayers, equitable and demonstrable access to such program.
Finally, the bill allows the GSA to make a public utility contract for a period of up to 30 years. Currently, the GSA may make a public utility contract for up to 10 years.
