The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced on May 9 it is “reopening the record” on its NEM 3.0 proceeding in order to gather information on some specific elements of the decision. The record reopening delays a proposed decision from the CPUC on NEM 3.0 until July at the earliest.
For over a year the CPUC has considered changes to net energy metering backed by utility interests. The CPUC’s initial proposed decision, which included a steep tax on rooftop solar and an immediate gutting of the credits solar consumers receive, would have made solar unaffordable for most consumers, especially those in working- and middle-class neighborhoods where solar is growing fastest. It would also hurt the commercial, government and agricultural solar markets. The unpopular proposed decision was shelved for an indefinite amount of time after intense backlash and public disapproval from Governor Newsom.
According to ROTH Capital Partners, the CPUC is now accepting comments regarding the glide path approach, non-bypassable charges and community DERs. The CPUC is seeking input on an alternative glide path that would give customers a fixed export adder in addition to the avoided cost calculator (ACC) rate. The export adder would step down over time.
Opening comments in response to the group’s questions are due by June 10 and reply comments are due no later than June 24.
Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar & Storage Association, issued the following statement on the ruling from the CPUC:
“Our large and diverse coalition of solar supporters is glad the CPUC recognized just how far out of step the first proposed decision was with California’s clean energy goals and equity values. Californians strongly support rooftop solar and will not accept a decision that taxes the sun or slows our state’s clean energy progress by making solar unaffordable.”
“At the same time, we know utility special interests have a lot of power and a significant profit motive in stopping competition from rooftop solar. And, to be clear, a solar tax appears to still be on the table. We will continue to make sure no one is fooled again by the utility profit grab that makes electricity more expensive for everyone and halts California’s grid resilience and clean energy progress.”
News item from CALSSA
Loren Denison – CPUc and nem 3 are a joke ! When we the people are held responsible for paying for PGE carelessness and improper maintenance. This is an outrage , and by what law can they charge their customers? it isn’t even supposed to be at the earliest in July and after people have time to have their say against the matter. pG&E isn’t supposed to or anyone else have a monopoly!
I have had rooftop solar since 2015. I would love the opportunity to comment on any changes. I am concerned that the CPUC is in the back pocket of PG&E and Edison in California. We must not tax solar. PG&E doesn’t reimburse at true-up for excess solar to the grid. One of the best ways to fight climate change is rooftop solar. Let’s not kill the program.
Please provide the link for the public comments. I have been unable to find it.
It would be helpful if the link to provide comments was actually posted here, or in any clear fashion on the CPUC website. They are intentionally making it difficult for the public to comment on the utilities cash grab.
The CPUC’s decision to reopen the net energy metering 3.0 proceeding is an excellent move to hopefully result in a more fair and balanced outcome.
The original proposal would have been disastrous for the solar industry. It is good to see that the CPUC is willing to listen to public input on this critical issue.
I agree with the author that utility special interests have a lot of power and a profit motive in stopping competition from rooftop solar.
This is why the public needs to make their voices heard on this issue. I believe that solar is an integral part of our future.
We should be doing everything we can to make it more affordable and accessible.
Thank you for your article.
This is an important issue that deserves more attention.
I hope that the CPUC takes all of the public input into consideration and decides in the best interest of Californians.
Can anybody provide a link to comment on this at CPUC? I’ve searched the docket and can’t find this.
I can’t find it either. I have had rooftop solar since 2015. I would love the opportunity to comment on any changes. I am concerned that the CPUC is in the back pocket of PG&E and Edison in California. We must not tax solar. PG&E doesn’t reimburse at true-up for excess solar to the grid. One of the best ways to fight climate change is rooftop solar. Let’s not kill the program.
Here is the link – you must submit comments no later than June 10.
https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401%3A65%3A0%3A%3ANO&fbclid=IwAR2gwgJLLIus6sCZArToIrx0euqPxLmvHrp9XyvX0y3VHgFxnaF8KOhLyfA
I finally was able to comment. Your link is correct. A bit hard to know how to search for the proposed rule to comment on…in fact I already forgot how I was able to search and find it. Perhaps you could add instructions for getting to the comment page.
all solar should b simply net metered and annual excess production should b compensated at max retail rate
we r in a war with fossil fuel climate change and all adopters if solar should b paid fully now
“The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced on May 9 it is “reopening the record” on its NEM 3.0 proceeding in order to gather information on some specific elements of the decision.”
First of all, THANK YOU for announcing this new comment period. This NEM 3.0 has NOTHING to do with net metering, but the demise of net metering with proposed “tweaks” for solar PV adopters, while pushing them out of long term PPAs of net metering and into PPAs of wholesale net billing and demanding a monthly grid connection fee is extortion and illegal under the Federal RICO statutes. NOW it is time for the rate payers to be heard loud and clear.