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 …

When the Berkeley name is used to vilify rooftop solar

The Energy Institute at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley (Haas Energy Institute) is often cited in news stories and government reports as an ‘independent’ academic source for information about rooftop solar. The Haas Energy Institute’s director is frequently called upon to provide research for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and sits on the Board of the …

Proposed Utility Tax would increase electricity bills for millions, undermine rooftop solar, and discourage conservation

Summary The utilities the the CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) are proposing to charge most residential ratepayers a Utility Tax of $24 per month. The tax is uncapped; utilities have said they intend for it to increase to $70/month or more. Even a $24/month Utility Tax would be twice the national average. This mandatory Utility Tax would increase electricity bills …

CPUC voted to send rooftop solar off a cliff

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted on December 15th to make drastic changes to the state’s rooftop solar rules. Read the final decision (NEM3) Fact sheet How the CPUC’s decision may affect you Key details Most consumers who get solar after April 2023 will see an average 75% reduction in the credit they receive for sharing their extra …

The utilities are the masterminds behind the smear campaign against rooftop solar

For those who are curious, the three investor-owned utilities – PG&E, SoCal Edison and SDG&E – are behind the pressure and misinformation campaign to kill rooftop solar. The utilities’ campaign against rooftop solar is being waged by a nice-sounding front group called “Affordable Clean Energy for All”. They have a slick website called Fix the Cost Shift. They claim to …

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 …

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 …

Over 2,000 San Diego solar users fight proposed utility fee

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is proposing to add $39 per month to their solar customers’ monthly bill. And, they’re blaming solar users for it. If approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the fee will wipe out many people’s solar savings and discourage others from even considering solar. SDG&E falsely claims that solar users burden the grid, …