After the overwhelming passage of SB 188, two -footed legislation That will create a program for solar sharesThe Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) have jointly issued a letter that would be hand in hand with supervisors and legislators to set limits to a program that will provide local energy, economic benefits and reliability for Montana families and companies.
The letter, sent to the Montana Public Services Commission this week, emphasizes the strong voluntary dedication of the industry to place specific parameters on the Solar Appares program that match the unique needs of Montana and that are based on feedback received during the legislative process. According to the letter, the industry will argue for the following proactive obligations:
- Bill -credits that are only based on the grid value;
- Utility companies must be compensated for distribution service costs to ensure that they are compensated for existing infrastructure;
- Developers pay all interconnection costs and systemup grades that are needed to connect facilities; And
- Cap the size of the program on a target 100 MW in the next three years to guarantee managed growth.
“As stated in our letter, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to do what is best for Montanans: access to affordable, locally generated energy,” said Jeff Cramer, CEO and President of CCSA. “By arousing these obligations to the committee, we add a different layer of protection for the State to deriskering and build on what is already a strong, dual piece of legislation and to encourage the governor to sign it in the law.”
The Solar Shares program, recently approved by the Montana -Weginating Power via SB 188 with strong bipping support, reflects the growing demand for locally generated, affordable energy. With overwhelming voices in both rooms, the bill confirms the wish of Montanans to practical, cost -effective solutions that improve families, small companies and communities throughout the state.
“Solar shares is an energy solution cultivated by Montana that can supply local electricity, keep the transmission costs low and can increase our network reliability without state subsidies,” said Brad van Wert, president of MREA. “A pro-small business governor and state would benefit enormously from this program.”
The Solar shares program, if covered at 100 MW for the first three years, is expected to generate $ 280 million in economic impact, 1,200 local jobs and direct savings to offer a wide range of families and small companies in the entire state. In addition, these projects can be linked to localized storage to smooth intermittency, to ensure stable power output during peak question periods and in variable weather conditions.
The account is now on the GOV. Greg Gianforte.
News item from the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA)
