PR Development: Amendments to Act 82-2010, Act 57-2014 and the Net Metering Act
Senate Bill No. 1666 (“Bill”) adds to and amends certain provisions of the Public Policy Energy Diversification by Means of Sustainable and Alternative Renewable Energy in Puerto Rico Act (“Act 82-2010”); the Puerto Rico Energy Transformation and RELIEF Act (“Act 57-2014”); and the Net Metering Act (“Act 114-2007”).
The provisions of the bill intend to facilitate the interconnection of renewable energy systems to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”) grid. In general terms the Bill introduces the following changes:
- Amends Article 9 of Act 114-2007 to establish as public policy that the interconnection procedures for distributed generators to the PREPA grid be more cost and time effective.
- Adds the term micro grid which is defined as a group of interconnected charges and distributed energy resources within the clearly defined electric parameters that act as a unit controlled under the transmission and distribution system of the PREPA.
- Adds a new Article 2.2 to Act 82-2010 which establishes that the PREPA must use intelligent meters to measure the consumption of energy of clients in the Net Metering Program and eliminates the requirement of physical access to the meter during the interconnection process. Also, the PREPA must create a website that allows for the electronic filing of all documents required by the relevant PREPA interconnexion regulations within 180 days of the approval of the Bill.
- Amends Article 3 of Act 114-2007 to prohibit the PREPA from requiring the relocation of existing meters provided they comply with security standards established by the National Electric Code during the interconnection process.
- Amends Article 3.4 of Act 57-2014 to establish that the State Office of Energy Public Policy (“OEPPE”, for its Spanish acronym) must formulate strategies and make recommendations to the Puerto Rico Energy Commission (“Commission”) on improving the electrical service in communities with limited resources, through the study, promotion and development of Solar Communities.
- Amends Article 6.3 of Act 57-2014 to establish that the Commission, with the collaboration of the OEPPE and the Independent Office of Protection to Consumers, must issue regulatory framework that will guide the PREPA in the development of regulations for Solar Communities and Micro Grids.
The Bill is currently pending the signature of the Governor. To further discuss or obtain additional information on how this development may impact you, please feel free to contact us at your convenience
