Montana Renters: Solar Power Credits and Your Utility Savings

More Montana renters are interested in saving money on their utility bills while supporting clean energy. If your rental unit is powered even partly by solar energy, you may have questions: Can you access solar power credits? Are the savings passed on to you? Understanding your rights and options under Montana law will help ensure you get the benefits you're entitled to.

How Solar Power Credits Work for Renters in Montana

Solar power credits in Montana are part of the state’s Net Metering laws. When solar panels produce more electricity than the home uses, the extra power feeds back into the grid, generating credits on the utility bill. These credits can lower costs for electric service. However, for renters, it's important to know who receives these credits and whether landlords are required to pass these savings down.

• Solar panels are typically owned by the property owner (landlord) in rental housing.
• Montana law does not currently require landlords to directly share solar power credits with tenants unless specified in your lease agreement.
• If utilities are included in rent, landlords might factor solar savings into rent amounts.
• If you pay your own electric bill and the account is in your name, you may directly receive credits if your unit has separate solar metering.

Your Rights: Solar Power, Utilities, and the Lease

Montana’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 70, Chapter 24, MCA) sets basic rules for utility billing as part of rental agreements¹. Solar power credits and utility billing should be clearly described in your lease if applicable.

• Review your lease: Check for a clause about utilities, solar credits, or renewable energy provisions.
• If utilities are "included": Ask your landlord how solar savings are calculated or passed through.
• If you have a question or dispute: Contact the Montana Department of Commerce, which oversees rental housing issues.

Common Lease Arrangements and Solar Credits

• Utilities included in rent: Landlord receives all credits, and may or may not pass savings to tenants.
• Tenant pays utilities directly: You may access solar credits only if there is a dedicated solar meter for your unit associated with your utility account.

If your rental is in a multi-unit building (like an apartment) with shared solar panels, credits usually go to the building owner, unless your lease says otherwise.

Montana Public Service Commission and Resolving Utility Disputes

The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates utilities statewide and helps resolve utility billing and service issues. If you have a complaint about how solar credits are applied to your bill, or feel you are being unfairly charged for utilities, you can file a complaint with the PSC.

Official Form: Utility Consumer Complaint Form

• Name: Utility Consumer Complaint Form
• How it’s used: Submit this form if you have an unresolved dispute about your electric bill or solar credit allocation, after first contacting your utility provider.
• Where to find it: Utility Consumer Complaint Form (PDF)

Example: If your landlord claims solar credits but you are billed for full usage without receiving any savings, fill out the Utility Consumer Complaint Form and submit it to the Montana PSC after discussing it with your utility.

Action Steps for Montana Renters: Accessing Solar Savings

• Read your lease for details on utilities and solar credits.
• If you pay your own utilities and see unusual charges, request a "billing breakdown" from your provider.
• If you believe solar credits should apply but are not seeing them, contact your landlord for clarification—request answers in writing.
• If issues are not resolved, file a complaint with the Montana Public Service Commission using the official complaint form.

Montana renters have the right to transparent information on utility charges. For new or renewing leases, consider negotiating language about solar credits and utility savings.

FAQ: Solar Power Credits & Renters in Montana

1. Can I directly receive solar power credits as a renter in Montana?
   Only if the electricity meter and utility account for your unit are in your name and are linked to solar generation, which is uncommon in most rentals.
2. Does my landlord have to share solar savings with me?
   No. Unless your lease specifically says so, Montana law does not require landlords to pass on solar credits or savings.
3. How can I know if solar credits apply to my bill?
   Check your electricity bill for a “net metering” or solar credit line item, and ask your landlord or utility company to clarify in writing.
4. Who can I contact if I have a dispute about my utility bill or solar credits?
   Contact the Montana Public Service Commission. You can also use their complaint form.

Key Takeaways for Montana Renters

• Montana law does not require solar power credits be shared with renters—it's a matter of lease terms.
• For billing disputes, the Montana Public Service Commission is your go-to resource.
• Always read your lease and request written answers about how utilities are billed and whether solar savings apply.

Take time to review your situation and reach out to official resources if you need support with your utility bills or lease terms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Montana Board of Housing – Rental Housing Information
• Montana Public Service Commission (PSC): Utility Consumer Support
• Text of the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• Montana Department of Commerce—Renter Toolkit & Support

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1. The Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act outlines rental agreements and utility responsibilities. Visit the official statute for details.
2. Montana's Net Metering laws govern how solar credits are created and applied for utility customers.
3. The Montana Public Service Commission oversees and resolves regulated utility disputes for renters and landlords.

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