SACRAMENTO — In a strong letter sent to the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) released today, 25 state legislators are urging the agency to enact its proposed decision on “net metering” that will allow the state’s solar industry to continue its record growth. The PUC is expected to vote Thursday on a proposed decision by PUC Chairman Michael Peevey recalculating net metering that will result in the addition of 2.1 gigawatts of solar energy to the state’s grid from rooftop solar systems.
“The CPUC’s Proposed Decision does NOT change the 5% statutory cap on net energy metering; rather it provides direction to our state IOUs on the statutorily appropriate methodology for calculation,” the letter states. “The Decision will provide the time necessary for the Commission to complete an updated study on the benefits and costs of net energy metering to properly inform future actions by the Commission or the Legislature.”
“Most importantly, we are at a tipping point relating to the affordability and accessibility of solar systems for all types of ratepayers in the state. Currently, school districts, state agencies, local governments, dairies, farms and wineries, irrigation districts, small and large businesses, new production housing and existing homes look to solar to fix their monthly energy costs,” the legislators write. “Without this Decision, we could lose the important progress that has been made in lowering solar costs and expanding solar access to business and public sector customers and low and middle-income residents.”
The letter was signed by:
Assemblymember Nancy Skinner
Assemblymember Mariko Yamada
Assemblymember Jared Huffman
Senator Christine Kehoe
Senator Fran Pavley
Assemblymember Paul Fong
Senator Leland Yee
Assemblymember Richard Gordon
Senator Ellen Corbett
Assemblymember Michael Allen
Assemblymember Jim Beall Jr.
Assemblymember Julia Brownley
Assemblymember Mike Feuer
Assemblymember Robert Wieckowski
Assemblymember Betsy Butler
Assemblymember Tom Ammiano
Assemblymember Jerry Hill
Assemblymember Das Williams
Senator Mark Leno
Senator Loni Hancock
Senator Mark DeSaulnier
Senator Alan Lowenthal
Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro
Senator Elaine Alquist
Assemblymember William Monning
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