CPUC Approves Settlement to Extend Solar*Rewards Program

WASHINGTON, DC – At the urging of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and other stakeholders, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved a settlement that will reopen the company’s highly popular Colorado small residential and medium-sized Solar*Rewards solar programs until the state’s 2014 Renewable Energy Standard (RES) Compliance Plan is finalized later this year. 

Last month, Xcel Energy, SEIA and the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) jointly proposed to the CPUC up to 27 megawatts of solar capacity under the settlement. The new targets will include up to 4 megawatts (MW)  per month for up to 20 MW for small solar installations of up to 25 kilowatts (KW); and up to 7 MW for medium-sized solar installations of 25-500 KW. The medium-sized, or commercial program, has been closed since October 2013, when capacity was filled for the program, and the small program closed earlier this month.

“This is an important step forward and will help to spur additional solar growth across Colorado,” said Carrie Cullen Hitt, SEIA’s senior vice president for state affairs. “But we still need to have a lasting agreement in place to provide stability and certainty for Colorado consumers and businesses, as well as for Xcel Energy. We look forward to working with the CPUC on a solution that’s both fair and lasting.”

Solar*Rewards is an Xcel Energy program that encourages the growth of solar energy and offers customers incentives to install solar panel electric systems on their homes and businesses. Without today’s commission approval to extend the program, incentives for installations would have been suspended until the state’s 2014 Renewable Energy Standard (RES) Compliance Plan is finalized later this year.

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About SEIA:

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, 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 champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America 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
Samantha Page, SEIA Press Officer and Communications Manager, spage@seia.org (202) 556-2886