Energy (Utility Regulation)

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.

HB 413 requires Utah electrical utilities with large generator interconnection agreements (over 20 megawatts) to analyze unused interconnection capacity in their energy planning. Specifically, utilities must assess their own generators for "surplus interconnection service" (unused capacity at connection points) and include this analysis in their integrated resource plans submitted to the Public Service Commission. The bill allows utilities to gather information from non-utility facilities about surplus capacity and permits cost recovery for approved projects deemed cost-effective by the Commission. This applies directly to utilities managing large-scale power generation connections, aiming to optimize existing infrastructure without new construction.