Community Remote Net Metering Program

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.