S-3099 : Still Just a Bill

The Streamlining Home Installation of New Energies Act of 2023 (SHINE Act of 2023) or S.3099 is legislation that aims to simplify and expedite the permitting and inspection processes for qualifying distributed energy systems. These systems include:

• Renewable energy generation (solar, wind)
• Battery storage (at least 2 kWh)
• Electric vehicle charging (at least 2 kW)
• Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle refueling

The Act directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program that will:

• Develop and expand a voluntary online permitting platform for local authorities.
• Set adoption targets for streamlined permitting.
• Provide technical assistance and training to local authorities.
• Develop a voluntary inspection protocol to streamline inspections, including exploring remote and sample-based options.
• Certify authorities having jurisdiction that implement the exemplary streamlined permitting process.
• Award prizes to authorities having jurisdiction to encourage adoption of streamlined processes.

The bill authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027 to carry out these activities.