Energy (Energy Storage)

HB 367, the Solar Power Utility Amendments, changes how Utah utilities compensate solar power customers for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to create an optional "time-of-use export pricing tariff" that offers different credit rates based on the time of day or real-time market conditions, with a guaranteed minimum credit floor. Solar customers can choose to join this new tariff or keep their existing compensation plan, and utilities must clearly explain the differences and allow switching back without penalty. The law protects existing customers from forced changes and ensures the new system works with current metering and battery storage technology.

SB 223 modifies Utah's sales and use tax exemptions to support renewable energy infrastructure development. It extends the tax exemption for equipment used to expand existing alternative energy power plants (like solar, wind, or geothermal facilities) and adds a new exemption for equipment that increases capacity at electric energy storage facilities (such as battery systems). This directly affects businesses building or upgrading renewable energy projects by reducing their upfront costs for qualifying equipment. The bill also includes minor technical adjustments to tax code definitions but does not appropriate new state funds.