Community Remote Net Metering Program

February 10, 2023

Summary

In 2016, H.B. 8354 expanded Rhode Island's net metering rules to include community solar. Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Fund has provided community renewable incentives before community solar was officially enshrined.

The community net metered system can be owned by one of the participating customers, or be financed by a third party through lease arrangements or power/credit purchase agreements. The total amount of community net metering is capped at 30 MW until the end of 2018, after which the PUC may decide to expand or modify the aggregate amount after administrative process. On December 2016, the PUC determined that the public housing authorities are considered public entities and are not subject to the 30 MW cap in the community net metering program. Municipal Collaborative facilities, educational institutions, federal government, hospitals, and non-profits are also exempt from this cap. Active enabling legislation is required to expand the program past the 30 MW cap; the cap was met in 2019.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector: State
Category: Regulatory Policy
State: Rhode Island
Incentive Type: Community Solar Rules
Web Site: https://energy.ri.gov/renewable-energy/solar/community-solar
Administrator: Office of Energy Resources
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:
  • Solar Photovoltaics
Applicable Utilities: Rhode Island Energy
System Capacity Limit: 10 MW
Program Capacity Limit: 30 MW
Participant Credit Rate: Retail rate

Authorities

Name: R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-26.4-2
Name: R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-26.4-3

Contact

Name: George Sfinarolakis
Organization: Director, Lead by Example Program
Address:
RI
Phone: (401) 574-9101
Email: george.sfinarolakis@energy.ri.gov

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.