Homeowners with solar panels are likely very familiar with the reduced electricity bill benefit, but what happens when the panels generate more energy than the customer uses? That energy goes onto the grid to be used by others.
This past week, the highest court in Utah ruled in favor of a Public Service Commission policy that allows an annual expiration of unused solar credits and does not calculate anything other than the utility’s actual “avoided costs” net metering provides, such as deferring new infrastructure investment.
Solar advocates, long critical of how Rocky Mountain Power makes its decisions on compensating rooftop solar customers who provide energy to the grid, wanted public health and climate included in the calculation for solar reimbursement.
“We are incredibly disappointed about the court’s decision not to address important issues in this case. Families and businesses in Utah are eager to use distributed solar to improve their energy independence and be a part of the clean energy economy, but this decision perpetuates a status quo where utilities have outsized influence to limit their customers’ electricity choices,” said Kate Bowman, the Interior West Regulatory director for Vote Solar.
Read more about the metering policy and the court's decision.
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