An administrative law judge has issued separate rulings that (1) adopt the final version of the net metering “Public Tool,” and (2) invite proposals for a net metering successor tariff and establish subsequent deadlines for future proceeding milestones.

The latter ruling sets a series of requirements for a net metering 2.0 tariff or contract proposals, as well as alternatives for disadvantaged communities. Among other things, proposals must address:

• The metrics to be used to measure “sustainable growth,” as well as metrics related to the cost and benefit requirements outlined in the enabling legislation;
• How facilities larger than 1 MW (i.e., the current limit) should be treated;
• How virtual net metering and net metering aggregation should or should not be modified;
• Possible changes to existing exemptions enjoyed by net metering facilities (e.g., interconnection fees, standby charges);
• Whether any elements of the proposal pertain to safety and consumer protection issues; and
• The existence and nature of any legal issues (e.g., tax implications, PURPA).

Proposals are due by July 2, 2015.