69-8-612. New classifications of service — grandfather clause. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), if the commission approves new classifications of service for customer-generators in accordance with 69-8-611, the new classifications apply only to customer-generators interconnecting net metering systems on or after the date on which the commission adopts a final order implementing the new classifications.

Terms Used In Montana Code 69-8-612

  • commission: means the public service commission provided for in 2-15-2602. See Montana Code 69-1-101
  • Customer-generator: means a user of a net metering system. See Montana Code 69-8-103
  • Net metering: means measuring the difference between the electricity distributed to and the electricity generated by a customer-generator that is fed back to the distribution system during the applicable billing period. See Montana Code 69-8-103
  • Net metering system: means a facility for the production of electrical energy that:

    (a)uses as its fuel solar, wind, or hydropower;

    (b)has a generating capacity of not more than 50 kilowatts;

    (c)is located on the customer-generator's premises;

    (d)operates in parallel with the utility's distribution facilities; and

    (e)is intended primarily to offset part or all of the customer-generator's requirements for electricity. See Montana Code 69-8-103

(2)(a) A customer-generator that interconnects a net metering system prior to commission approval of new classifications of service for customer-generators may accept service under the new classifications of service at any time.

(b)After accepting service under a new classification of service, the customer-generator may not return to its original classification of service.