ACC Staff Report Affirms Importance of Net Energy Metering

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The long-awaited Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) staff report on Net Energy Metering (NEM) has affirmed several key positions taken by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) in a recent filing before the commission.

After the report was issued, Carrie Cullen Hitt, SEIA Sr. Vice President for State Affairs, released the following statement:

“Most importantly, the ACC staff agrees with us that all costs and benefits related to NEM should be considered by the commission, and any cost-shift issue is – at its very heart – a matter of rate design.  SEIA applauds the staff for its thoughtful consideration of our arguments. 

“What’s more, the staff acknowledges the fundamental need to continue NEM in Arizona and offered some transitional proposals for the industry to consider.  SEIA agrees with the staff report that any changes to NEM in the future should only be addressed as part of a general rate case, in which the Commission has the appropriate tools at its disposal to make necessary adjustments.

“We look forward to seeing the ACC’s final decision later this month.  We hope that it will provide certainty for Arizona’s current and future solar customers, who are looking to save money and help the environment by utilizing clean, abundant and affordable solar energy.”

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About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contacts:
Ken Johnson, SEIA Vice President of Communications, kjohnson@seia.org  (202) 556-2885