Plug-In Solar in Wyoming — Status: deferred
Bill: HB 146 — Affordable Electricity Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Clark Stith
Legislative Status: Deferred until 2027. HB 146 was killed in the House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee after hearing testimony almost exclusively from utility representatives (Rocky Mountain Power). Utilities argued safety concerns and grid cost-sharing. No active law restricts plug-in solar — the bill simply did not pass.
Current Status: Deferred — Killed in Committee (February 2026). Sponsors plan to reintroduce in 2027.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 11.2¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $155/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 2¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.2 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would have exempted certified plug-in solar devices from interconnection requirements.
What You Can Do
Traditional rooftop solar is available with standard interconnection. Rocky Mountain Power offers net metering.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
No plug-in solar exemption. Utilities require interconnection agreements. Bill was actively opposed and defeated by utility lobbying.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Net metering available through Rocky Mountain Power. No state solar rebate or tax credit in Wyoming. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — Wyoming Solar Incentives — Full list of Wyoming state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 588,753 |
| Total Households | 243,318 |
| Owner-Occupied | 174,669 |
| Renter-Occupied | 68,649 |
| Single-Family Homes | 182,600 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 18,900 |
| Median Household Income | $76,176 |
| Median Home Value | $309,700 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.32 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1232 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | June, July, August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Power | ~150,000 customers | Yes |
| Black Hills Energy | customer count not specified | Yes |
| Big Horn Rural Electric Company | ~4,215 customers | Yes |
| High Plains Power, Inc. | ~13,500 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Lawmakers pull the cord on plug-in solar bill — WyoFile (February 21, 2026)
- Utilities are raising concerns about plug-in solar panels — NPR (March 12, 2026)