Maine reaches milestone, will review net metering policy
Maine reached an important solar power milestone recently, which is bringing concern that the state could end up following in Nevada’s footsteps regarding net metering.
The milestone: There is now enough solar power — from combined commercial and residential sources — in Maine to to account for as much as one percent of the total load taken on by Central Maine Power on days with peak demand.
As Solar Power Hits Milestone, Maine Utility Wants to End 'Net Metering' Policy https://t.co/9h99xU8oD5
— MPBNnews (@MPBNnews) January 15, 2016
Now that the one percent threshold was reached in 2015, a review of net metering policy in Maine is required by law. Because of this, some solar industry advocates worry about possible changes in solar energy policy that could be proposed that would ultimately be a detriment to residential solar customers in the state.
Residential solar customers in Nevada are currently fighting against net metering changes that just took effect in their state. Updates to solar energy policy have shifted some costs away from utility companies directly to the customers.
Negative consequences, negative reaction
Those affected by the changes in Nevada have not taken it lightly and are currently fighting against the new regulations that make it more expensive to use solar power in the state.
Is the same battle about to brew in Maine?
Orginally published on → Solar Energy Local“Utilities around the country are trying to kill rooftop solar and net metering because utilities are monopolies, and it’s the only form of competition they’ve faced in over 100 years.
— Chris Rauscher, policy director at Sun Run, as told to Maine Public Broadcasting.
