Energy (Renewable Energy)

HB 2083 creates a property tax exemption for new energy storage systems in Kansas, effective January 1, 2026. It specifically excludes these systems from the existing commercial and industrial machinery and equipment tax exemption while granting them a separate tax exemption under K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 79-266. This directly affects businesses or developers installing new energy storage systems (like battery storage for renewable energy) after the effective date. The bill ensures these systems are taxed differently than standard machinery, providing a financial incentive for new clean energy infrastructure. Systems approved before January 1, 2026, are not covered by this new exemption.

HB 2149 requires solar and renewable energy retailers to provide clear, standardized disclosures to residential customers before selling financed systems (like home solar panels). This includes details on system specifications, guaranteed energy output, total lifetime costs, tax credits, and installer credentials, all in plain language. The bill also mandates the attorney general to create a standard disclosure form and updates rules for connecting these systems to the grid, increasing utility capacity limits for parallel generation services. These changes directly affect homeowners purchasing financed renewable energy systems and aim to improve transparency in the sales process.