California solar owners win in net metering vote
Vote keeps current net metering policy in place
California’s net metering policy will stay in place after a voting decision that many are hailing as a huge victory for the solar industry in the state.
California’s policy of paying net-metered solar customers retail-rate payments for excess power is a one reason why solar has taken off in the state. As far as solar power goes in the U.S., California ranks first by a wide margin.
That retail-rate net metering payment policy was in question, but a recent California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) vote kept it in place.
CPUC ensures customers continue to benefit from going #solar by approving New #netmetering Guidelines: https://t.co/GXZ7e0j74q #NEM
— California PUC (@californiapuc) January 28, 2016
A narrow victory for solar advocates in California
By a narrow margin of just 3-to-2, California’s Public Utilities Commission upheld net metering policy that largely benefits homeowners with solar panels.
The ruling allows residential solar customers in California to keep selling the excess power they generate back to their utility at the full retail rate.
Debate has been ongoing for two years
Solar power and net metering debates are nothing new for California. Back in December 2015, California regulators recently rejected a proposal by state utility companies that would have raised fees and costs for new solar customers.
Debate will likely continue
While solar-energy and net-metering debates are unlikely to end any time soon in California, solar advocates are currently enjoying the sunshine of this latest PUC vote and soaking it in.
California makes the most of #GoldenState net metering opportunity https://t.co/VCC7DT2zWo #SolarIsNow #CAShines
— Solar Industry (@SEIA) January 29, 2016
