BIG WIN FOR CALIFORNIA SOLAR

Background on this story at Clouds Over Million Solar Roofs

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PUC Removes Mandatory Time-of-Use Rates For Solar Customers
June 7, 2007 (California Public Utilities Commission press release)
the drop in installations was dramatic but expected to come back now (click to enlarge)

WHO
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC); CPUC President Michael R. Peevey, Greg Johanson, President, Solar Electrical Systems

WHAT
The CPUC bowed to pressure from the solar industry and officially struck a provision in the “Million Solar Roofs” Initiative requiring time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates for some solar system purchasers which was blocking the growth of the solar industry.

WHEN
The official CPUC action was June 7.

WHERE
San Francisco.

WHY
- The CPUC acted under direct pressure from Governor Schwarzenegger and the governor was responding to pressure from the solar industry.
- For some utility customers, electric bills on TOU rates were higher with solar than without going to the expense of installing a system.
- California has set a goal to install 3,000 megawatts of new, customer-sited solar projects by 2017.
smilin' again

QUOTES
- Peevey: "The TOU requirement contained in SB1, though well-intentioned, has clearly resulted in some unintended consequences, which may slow the development of solar in the residential and small commercial markets. I thank the Governor and Legislature for their quick action on this issue, expressly providing the PUC the authority to remove the mandatory time-of-use pricing element of the program until more accommodating TOU tariffs can be developed."
- Johanson: “Now is the time to go solar…Vote Solar makes it easy for you to tell your representatives that you want the same tax benefits as commercial users, that you want the 30% tax credit to be extended, and that you want the $2000 cap removed…”