House Bill 2149 introduces consumer protection for Kansans when purchasing or financing renewable energy systems from vendors and includes specific rules for vendors regarding maintenance and repair obligations, warranties and transparency. The bill also provides for certain changes to the existing parallel generation statute, including provisions for how electric utilities must size and compensate for distributed energy systems owned by consumers that are installed behind-the-meter and interconnect under a parallel generation rider.
Consumers with questions regarding the changes to Southern Pioneer Electric’s Parallel Generation rider, or who would like more information, are encouraged to contact its Energy Solutions department by calling 1-800-670-4381. Additional information regarding HB 2149 is available on the state of Kansas’ website.
How This Affects Consumers
As of July 1, 2025, when members want to install solar systems, the retailers selling those systems must do the following:
- Be properly registered in Kansas and in good standing
- Provide clear disclosure documents in at least 10-point font
- List total aggregate costs in bold, highlighted type
- Explain ownership of tax credits, rebates, and incentives
- Show proof of proper permitting and installation
- Pause customer payments if systems aren’t operational within 90 days
These protections will help members avoid misleading sales practices.
Southern Pioneer Electric’s Responsibilities
Under this law, Southern Pioneer will need to:
- Share accurate interconnection requirements with solar retailers upon request
- Disclose historic compensation rates for the past five years
- Process member applications within 90 days (unless studies are needed)
- Install and maintain necessary meters at the co-op’s expense
- Allow distributed energy systems, including in total those utilizing net-metering and parallel generation, on the grid each year:
- 6% of the utilities’ peak demand by July 2025
- 7% by July 2026
- 8% by July 2027 and beyond
