PUC to Adopt Changes to its Alternative Energy Regulation

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted unanimously today to adopt changes to its alternative energy regulations including controversial new limits on who can qualify for incentive payments for selling their extra alternative energy to the grid.

Contested sections of the regulations exclude some classes of alternative energy generators from net metering, a process that allows electricity customers who generate power from sources like solar panels and landfill gas to get retail rates when they make more electricity than they use.

CA: Solar advocate's say Bradford bill will stunt solar growth

Renewable energy advocates, led by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), are opposing amendments to a utility-backed legislation being advanced by Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee Chairman Steven Bradford (D-Ingelwood) they say will undermine the growth of clean energy in the state, including business, agricultural, and commercial users.

In a letter to the committee today, SEIA said Bradford’s legislation (AB 2514) is “entirely inconsistent” with the original legislation sponsored by former Assemblymember Fred Keeley that set up the policy called “net metering.” Under net metering, ratepayers received credit for the excess solar electricity they generate and put on the grid, much like rollover minutes. The Bradford bill would stop the Public Utilities Commission from moving forward with a tentative proposal announced last week to redefine the way net metering progress is calculated.

PUC restarts Solar Rewards program in Colorado

After long days of negotiations, Xcel Energy has finally agreed to restart its Solar*Rewards program as early as next week, pending PUC approval this Friday, March 18th. The negotiated agreement had to address three primary goals:

- Provide greater predictability and stability for solar businesses and customers

- Address the program cash flow challenges

- Reduce the program's nearly $100 million debt load