Colorado Solar Consumers Provide Up To $11 Million In Yearly Benefits To Xcel Grid

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If the solar energy revolution has taught us anything, it’s how the dynamics of the energy game is empowering consumers, as seen in Colorado.

A recently released study by the Vote Solar Initiative and undertaken by Crossbar Energy said solar power systems in Colorado Xcel Energy districts provide up to $11 million in benefits for customers.

Image Credit: Solar Panels and Wind Turbines via ShutterStock

The report went on to say net metering benefits exceed the costs, saving between $7 million to $11 million yearly, which are affected by the future cost of greenhouse gas regulation and natural gas prices.

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It’s all in the latest attempt to protect solar rights in Colorado, as Xcel is targeting net metering policies, which benefit consumer solar energy investment. Over 17,000 customers have voiced their concerns to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission over Xcel’s net metering plans since they were released in July. The energy company’s proposal still has not undergone commission or public review to make their case against net metering.

“Xcel has significantly undervalued solar power from its customers and we are determined not to let their incomplete math be used to dismantle the most important rooftop solar energy policy on the books,” said Vote Solar solar policy director Annie Lappé.

“While we understand that rooftop solar represents a change from the utility’s traditional way of doing business, it’s clear that Coloradans want that change. We encourage the Commission to look closely at the serious flaws in Xcel’s approach to assessing the impacts of this policy,” she said.

With Colorado ranking in the top ten states for solar capacity, changes towards net metering would greatly hamper Colorado’s reputation as a solar energy leader.

Source: Business Wire


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Adam Johnston

is expected to complete the Professional Development Certificate in Renewable Energy from the University of Toronto by December 2017. Adam recently completed his Social Media Certificate from Algonquin College Continuing & Online Learning. Adam also graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a three-year B.A. combined major in Economics and Rhetoric, Writing & Communications in 2011. Adam owns a part-time tax preparation business. He also recently started up Salay Consulting and Social Media services, a part-time business which provides cleantech writing, analysis, and social media services. His eventual goal is to be a cleantech policy analyst. You can follow him on Twitter @adamjohnstonwpg or check out his business www.salayconsultiing.com.

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