Disconnection devices for certain distributed generation facilities

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill imposes requirements on the interconnection of certain distributed generation facilities (DGFs) to the electric distribution systems of electric public utilities that own or operate such systems. The bill applies to a DGF as defined under current law, which is as an electricity-generating facility with a capacity of no more than 15 megawatts and that is located either 1) at or near the point where the electricity will be used or 2) in a location that will support the functioning of the electric power distribution grid. The bill prohibits a utility customer from interconnecting a DGF to the utility's distribution system after the bill's effective date unless the customer does three things. First, the customer must install a disconnection device for the DGF that is specified by the utility in accordance with rules the Public Service Commission has promulgated under current law. The bill defines "disconnection device" as a device capable of disconnecting a DGF from an electric distribution system. Second, the disconnection device must be installed in a conspicuous location that is accessible to the utility's maintenance personnel.

However, this second requirement does not apply if the disconnection device is automatically enabled when a power outage occurs. Third, the customer must notify the utility of the location of the DGF and disconnection device.

Who's behind it

Bob Wirch, a Democrat, is its author⁠.

8 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.