Save California Solar Coalition Urges Gov. Newsom to Protect and Strengthen Rooftop
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he state of California has some of the most ambitious climate goals in the country, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045. Ambitious because the state hopes to achieve this goal five years earlier than federal goals. California boasts of having one of the most vital environmental rules and regulations; fossil fuel production flaws notwithstanding. However, the state has come under a lot of heat as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUCC) considers changing the “net energy metering,”—a state policy that makes rooftop solar more affordable for consumers of all types. The policy compensates consumers for the excess energy they produce and share with their neighbors. About 1.3 million consumers benefit from the net energy metering policies, including; thousands of public schools, churches, and affordable housing developments. The policy is the primary driver of California’s world-renowned rooftop solar market. The changes stem from big utilities lobbying for CPUCC to charge a solar penalty fee of between $56 to $91 per month to homes that have a solar panel on their homes. On top of that, these big utilities are pushing for a slash on the credit solar users receive for sharing their surplus energy with the community sent back to the grid by 77 percent. Additionally, these utilities propose that consumers be prevented from carrying their unused solar credits forwards from month to month. 10 l
Proposals place these big utilities in a position that will see their profit at the expense of the public. Should these proposals go through, the onceaffordable solar energy will now become accessible for most Californians. It is expected that California will be prone to more blackouts and will cost the state tens of billions of dollars over time, and each ratepayer $295. Rooftop solar, coupled with a battery, protects households and entire communities from power outages. Rooftop solar also reduces the need to spend as much money on long-distance power lines, saving all ratepayers money. According to the Solar Rights Alliance, long-distance power lines are why utility bills have risen to the levels they have and are the ones that have sparked several wildfires. To fight back, Clean energy activists dressed up in costumes, a giant sun, and solar-powered battery and took Berkeley streets on October 2, calling for public support for rooftop solar, encouraging passerby to sign a petition to the governor and CPUC. The activists are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom and CPUC to stop big utility companies such as PG&E from profit grabbing. “California is a solar state where the sun belongs to everyone, not PG&E,” said Susanna Porte from Save California Solar, a coalition of over 250 organizations focused on making rooftop solar THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021
