Solar power in Vermont hits a speed bump
Vermont utility companies nearing net metering limit
Utility companies in Vermont are nearing net metering caps, a situation that is, in turn, temporarily slowing the growth of solar in the state.
Two years ago, Vermont raised the cap on how much power utilities could buy from customers — up to 15 percent of peak load. It was a dramatic increase from the previous cap of 4 percent — a near quadrupling.
But apparently it wasn’t enough.
Net metering battles brewing across the country?
Right now, the cap being reached in Vermont is leading to projects being halted in the state. This is coming at a time when a couple of other states are in the midst of net metering battles of their own.
In Nevada, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) drastically revised its policies on net metering in the state, reversing course and rolling back net metering fees paid to residential solar owners. Now, solar customers are pushing back.
And Maine recently reached a net metering milestone, which is leading to some concern that policy changes might be forthcoming.
Working toward a solution
Officials in Vermont are working to find a solution that would keep the growth of solar on the upswing in the state without energy customers taking on higher costs.
One main component of the current net metering policy that will be reviewed closely is the reimbursement rate for solar customers.
Source → The News & Observer
