NET METERING PROGRAMS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that an electric utility must establish a net metering program for its retail customers that own and operate facilities or equipment that utilize renewable energy resources installed on their premises. Provides that the net metering program shall have a maximum program limit of either 0.1% of the utility's previous year's peak demand (measured in kilowatts (kW)), or 100 kW, whichever is greater. Provides that a utility that seeks an alternative maximum program limit, adjusted as either higher or lower, shall request and obtain approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission prior to implementing any other program limit. Provides that a utility may expand eligibility in its net metering program to other energy conversion technologies and shall identify those other technologies it seeks to include in the program and receive approval from the Commission prior to expanding eligibility. Provides that the program shall be open for customer enrollment for a period of at least 5 years and customers that enroll shall be eligible to continue their participation for a period of at least 10 years. Provides that a participating customer may terminate his or her participation in the program at any time for any reason. Provides that an electric utility shall report the results of its program to the Commission by July 1, 2009 and that the Commission shall provide a summary and an analysis of the reports to the General Assembly no later than October 1, 2009. Effective immediately.