MILLION SOLAR ROOFS: HELP IS ON THE WAY

From all the turmoil in D.C., it seems like lawmakers cannot get anything but arguing done. Yet here is an example of a Republican Governor and a Democratic legislature jumping in and dealing with a problem. The letters below and yesterday's TROUBLE OVER MILLION SOLAR ROOFS detail the problem. Now we wait to see if the politicians follow through and if the "emergency legislation" solves the problem.

Schwarzenegger, lawmakers seek solar protection; Measure seeks to forestall hike in energy bills
K Kaufmann, May 10, 2007 (The Desert Sun)

WHO
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California legislators (Assemblyman John J. Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes; Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City; Sen. Jim Battin, R-La Quinta), California Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

WHAT
Lawmakers are “fast tracking” a temporary suspension of the provision in the California Solar Initiative (CSI) creating havoc in the solar system industry, and preventing fulfilling the intention of the bill.

WHEN
Schwarzenegger announced he was sponsoring the “emergency” legislation May 9.
The legislation allows postponement in applying the problematic rates until they can be adjusted, possibly through 2009.

WHERE
Action in Sacramento intended to affect solar system installations state-wide, especially in districts served by Central and Southern Calironia Edison.

WHY
CSI contained a provision requiring all purchasers of solar systems under the state’s three main utilities (Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric, and San Diego Gas and Electric) to be shifted to “Time-Of-Use” (TOU) rates. TOU rates are essentially a sliding scale, higher when energy is in greater demand. For some consumers, this shift to higher rates at times of increased use made the purchase of solar systems financially infeasible (see TROUBLE OVER MILLION SOLAR ROOFS), despite federal and state rebates. Installers business has dropped off precipitously.
The emergency bill allows the PUC to allow the utilities to put off applying the TOU rates until a correction in rate schedules is made. If the legislation passes, the PUC will make the adjustment at its June 7 meeting.
Thanks, Gov. Keep up the good work
QUOTES
Schwarzenegger: "California is a national leader in solar energy…Last year's legislation had an unintended flaw we are seeking to immediately fix so we can maximize Californians' participation in the program."
Scott Carlson, Carlson Solar: "We had to be a little more selective and a little more careful about customers…There were (some) we advised not to put in a solar system."
Garcia: "Everyone is pulling out the stops…If we didn't do something quickly you're in the middle of the summer season. For us in the desert, it hurts our ability to capitalize (so) we can have solar in place."