SolarCity Statement on California Public Utilities Commission Proposed Decision on Solar Net Metering

SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive released the following statement on the Proposed Decision on solar net metering policy released recently by the California Public Utilities Commission:

“We support the PUC’s proposed decision to continue the state’s successful net metering policy. This is consistent with California and Governor Brown’s leadership on clean energy and recognizes the important role of rooftop solar in accelerating our transition to a clean energy economy and providing customer choice.

The proposal to require new solar customers be on time-of-use rates is concerning. As we saw in 2007 when time of use rates were briefly mandated for solar customers, they don’t work for everyone who wants to go solar, and would reduce the motivation for installing solar. While these rates can send helpful signals about when to use electricity, we urge the PUC to closely examine the impacts of mandating time-of-use rates.”

Parties to the CPUC’s net metering proceeding now have 20 days to give feedback on the proposed decision to the Commission, after which the Commission will vote on a final decision.