Utility accountability bill could boost California solar deployment
If passed, SB 332 would improve ratepayer protections and make the Californian market more favorable to community solar programs.
The top ten most-read solar stories of 2024
Before we power into the new year, recharge and look back on the year’s most popular stories among pv magazine USA readers.
California Public Utilities Commission kicks community solar deadline to 2026
Kicking the deadline further down the road may put the state in peril of losing the funds, as the EPA, which runs the Solar For All program, requires all awards to begin to be deployed within the first year of grant being effective.
California utilities scapegoat rooftop solar for high electricity rates
Utilities in California and nationwide are fighting rooftop solar, the major threat to their effective monopoly on the electricity market, said the California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA).
Existing California solar customers may get blindsided with net metering cuts
Customers that have invested in solar under NEM 1.0 and 2.0 may be forced into a regulatory scheme that would threaten their return on investment, based on guidance from the California Public Advocates office.
California approves uncapped fixed charges on electricity bills
An uncapped average monthly charge of $24 will be added regardless of the amount of electricity used at home, sparking the ire of consumer advocates and energy conservationists.
California elected officials call for repeal of “utility tax”
A coalition objects to the $24 fixed monthly charge that the California Public Utilities Commission approved to be levied on customers, regardless of how much electricity is used at home.
California pivots to propose $24 average fixed fee to electric bills
The Public Utilities Commission said the new billing structure will include a reduction of electricity rates by 5 to 7 cents per kilowatt hour.
Californians could see up to $128 fixed charge added to their monthly electric bill
The monthly charge would be assessed regardless of any energy conservation efforts or solar production at home. Eighteen California Congressional representatives wrote a letter to the Public Utilities Commission warning the proposed charge would harm low- and middle income residents and “undercut investments in renewable energy.”
Community solar group challenges assertions by CPUC
Stating that the California Public Utilities Commission “embraces a myopic view”, CCSA comments characterize the CPUC proposed decision as misguided and misinformed, and determined it will not result in the development of community solar projects as envisioned by the legislature with the enactment of AB 2316.
