Informational Item - Study on Net Metering, Smart Metering and Interconnection Standards:

Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, FPB has an obligation as a self-regulated utility selling in excess of 500 million kwh annually to consider and decide on several national energy policy issues. These include net metering, smart metering and interconnection standards. While the Board must consider the standards, it is not required to implement them.

The Board must consider these standards, hold a public hearing and issue a written decision determining whether to implement these standards. Consideration of smart metering and interconnection standards must be commenced by August 8, 2006 and a determination made by August 8, 2007. Consideration of net metering standards must be commenced by August 8, 2007 and a determination made by August 8, 2008.

The Electric Department will complete a study discussing the three standards. The study is expected to be completed by April, 2007 and contain a review of all three standards. The Board must hold a public hearing and then decide whether to adopt the standards in a written decision on or before the July 2007 Board Meeting.