California regulators have proposed significant changes to the state’s solar incentive program, drawing strong opposition from industry advocates.
The new policy would reduce net-energy metering payments to solar customers for the excess power they generate and add monthly charges for customers. The changes would affect consumers and businesses who already have rooftop panels and customers that install new PVs.
The California Public Utilities Commission said the proposed changes are intended to encourage consumers to install battery storage systems so they can store excess power generated by solar panels and supply it back to the grid later. The Commission also addressed a perceived advantage enjoyed by wealthier ratepayers who have been more likely to install PVs due to the high up-front cost.
The current net-energy metering policy “disproportionately harms low-income ratepayers,” the Commission says. The proposed changes include a $600 million fund to help low-income customers access distributed clean energy.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2021
Intl. Code Council publishes EV and building codes resource
Assists communities in setting policies for electric vehicle charging requirements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2021
Feds award $1 billion to renovate health centers
Funds will modernize existing infrastructure and cover other COVID-19-related capital needs.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
Boston City Council approves mandate for major emissions cuts for large buildings
Applies to buildings 20,000 sf or larger—about 4% of city’s buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
HPD Collaborative and Green Seal to align standards
Will result in expanded options for manufacturers to enhance sustainability reporting and certifications.
Codes and Standards | Sep 30, 2021
U.S. has a deficit of 5 million homes
Builders unable to keep pace with demand.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2021
Mass Timber group study will compare structural round timber to glulam products and steel
Will compare costs, capabilities, and carbon impacts of structural materials.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2021
Massachusetts creates Commission on Clean Heat
First-of-its kind body to set targets for buildings to reduce emissions from heating fuels.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2021
Commercial real estate industry faces SEC climate disclosure regulations
Risks associated with climate change would have to be revealed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2021
Group proposes Carbon Use Intensity metric for new buildings
Plan would track embedded carbon on projects.
