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The utilities and allies spent more than $100 million influencing politicians and nonprofits

Sometimes it is hard to understand how a convicted criminal like PG&E continues to get their way with California lawmakers. How the utilities get away with rate hike after rate hike. Sneaking hidden taxes into legislation in the middle of the night. Landing body blow after body blow on the state’s most popular clean energy solution—rooftop solar. The answer is…

Lawsuit against NEM3 rooftop solar decision appealed to State Supreme Court

On December 20, 2023, the State Court of Appeal in San Francisco rejected the lawsuit appealing the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)’s December 2022 “NEM3” decision. The lawsuit called for the CPUC’s decision to be overturned on the grounds that the CPUC’s decision violates both the law and their own rules. The organizations who brought the lawsuit now plan to…

CPUC blocks rooftop solar for farms, schools, and many renters. Will state lawmakers overrule them?

For years, the utilities have tried and failed to block homeowners from making and using their own solar energy. We’ve stopped them every time. But last month, the utilities succeeded in blocking solar rights for schools, farmers, and many renters. This, despite overwhelming opposition from renters’ advocates, affordable housing organizations, school districts, farmers, and the general public. At this point,…

State agency proposal threatens consumer warranties for solar and batteries

The state Contractor Licensing Board (CSLB) has proposed a utility-backed proposal that could threaten the warranties on many people’s solar and battery systems. Overall, their proposal would make it more difficult and expensive for consumers to install and repair solar-powered batteries. What is being proposed The Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) has proposed prohibiting licensed solar contractors from doing the…

Six tips for buying a solar-powered battery

Thinking of getting a solar-powered battery for your home or business to protect you from the next power outage? Here’s six tips to help you figure it all out. For deeper dives: Solar Rights Alliance: Solar-Powered Batteries Webinar The Energy Show’s podcast: Which Batteries Are Best For Your Home? Solar-powered batteries can let you keep — and use — all…

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