State energy regulators just launched a review of California solar. Here’s what’s at stake.
Last week, the CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) formally launched a review of the cornerstone policy for rooftop solar, net metering. We expected this to happen, and are preparing to fight back against an utility lobbying campaign aimed at killing off rooftop solar in California. California’s 1 million solar rooftops are helping keep the lights on Everything you need to…
Your solar helped keep the lights on this week
Los Angeles Times reporter Sammy Roth ran a news story this week that describes how solar and batteries can make mass power outages a thing of the past while also reducing pollution. Here’s five take-homes: 1) Your solar helped keep the lights on this week. Thank you! Some news stories blamed rooftop solar for the outages. The LA Times story…
Alert: SMUD launches new attack on rooftop solar
Even as power outages rip through the state, SMUD is pushing a flawed study that grossly undervalues the benefits of rooftop solar, and hands SMUD the excuse they need to discourage rooftop solar in Sacramento. Please submit a personalized note to SMUD today, outlining in your own words why the community needs more rooftop solar, not less. Speak from the heart, or use…
Solar Bill of Rights delayed again, utilities launch new attack on solar
The Solar Bill of Rights was delayed once again by state lawmakers, even as utilities launched a new national attack that could end solar as we know it in California and across the U.S. Solar Bill of Rights delayed again The Solar Bill of Rights would stop utilities from hitting current and future solar users with new monthly fees that…
LA utility proposes $3,000 fee just to connect solar to grid
The utility that serves Los Angeles (LADWP) is considering charging a fee of up to $3,000 on people who install solar and battery storage systems. For homes and businesses with larger solar systems, the fee could be as much as $4,500. If approved, the fee will discourage Los Angeles residents from choosing solar and battery storage. LADWP’s proposed fee schedule….
Let Freedom Ring: Ideas to unleash the freedom and independence of solar
Our state leaders shouldn’t wait for the next pandemic or power outage to remove barriers that discourage people from using the sun’s energy to power their homes and businesses. Our friends at the CA Solar & Storage Association have made a list of eight things state leaders could do right now to increase self-reliance through rooftop solar. Here’s some of…
State regulators acknowledge solar’s benefits to the grid, reject SDG&E proposed fee
Thanks to a strong outpouring of public comment from people like you, state regulators at the CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rebuffed utility lobbyists on several fronts this Spring. SDG&E $39/month fee rejected In March, the CPUC officially rejected San Diego Gas & Electric’s proposal to add $39 / month to their customers’ energy bills. Over 2,500 San Diegans flooded the…
Response to SMUD’s claims about their power plants and rooftop solar
Community support is growing for SMUD to commit to closing their fossil fuel power plants, and start partnering with their customers to make, store and share more clean energy. SMUD has responded to several of the requests from the community. This post unpacks SMUD’s responses. Contact info@solarrights.org if you have a question or comment. The basic deal We’re in a…
SMUD is still working to block rooftop solar. Here’s what customers are doing about it.
In March 2019, SMUD proposed charging its solar customers an average of $40 to $60 per month. They canceled the proposal after a public outcry. SMUD then promised to conduct a public process to determine its solar policies for the future. Even as that process unfolds, SMUD keeps doing things that block people from making and storing solar energy on…
SMUD got permission to keep solar off new homes. Now what?
The CA Energy Commission voted last week to approve SMUD’s SolarShares proposal, which we predict will effectively block solar on most new homes in Sacramento area for twenty years. Many other utilities around the state supported SMUD’s proposal and we suspect they will seek the same deal. This, despite opposition from the hundreds of community members in Sacramento and around…