The California Public Utilities Commission released a report revised proposal for decision on the state’s community solar program on May 28, after multiple votes on the previous proposal. The CPUC is set for voting about the new PD next Thursday, May 30.
A diverse group of organizations, including the Coalition for Community Solar Access, The Utility Reform Network and the Coalition of California Utility Employees, previously proposed a community solar program to the CPUC, centered around a Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT). This rate program would have compensated subscribers of community solar projects up to 5 MWAC based on the value of a project’s generation at the time it is supplied to the grid. The committee did not proceed with that proposal.
The Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) warned the CPUC’s new proposed decision in a press statement:
“The revised proposed decision (PD) further supports the state’s utilities’ failed proposal and would make California’s community solar program dead on arrival,” said Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director for CCSA. “It will not result in the development of new projects as envisioned by AB 2316 and will continue to leave California without a functional community solar program.
“The revised PD fundamentally fails to understand the value community solar can bring to California’s electric grid and the necessary role it can and should play in helping the state achieve its clean energy and equity goals . It relies on one-time federal taxpayer money to subsidize an unworkable program rather than opting for a proven model that leverages private capital and risk to serve hundreds of thousands of income-qualified customers and small businesses.
“It also once again ignores the will of the California Legislature and the broad coalition of taxpayer, equity, environmental, labor and business groups that have demanded a functional community solar program.
“California should seize this unique opportunity to create a vibrant market. We urge the CPUC to slow down and take the extra time necessary to get this important decision right.”
