CPUC Decision Provides Key Safeguards for California Solar Consumers

Washington, D.C. – In response to a decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to assure that owners of rooftop solar systems will continue to benefit from Net Energy Metering (NEM) for 20 years, Carrie Cullen Hitt, senior vice president of state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement:

“By ensuring that all California customers who install solar under the current NEM program will continue to receive full retail, as well as fair credit, for the clean energy they send to the grid for 20 years, the Commission has shown a commitment to the investments already made by more than 200,000 existing solar customers across the state, while also providing stability and certainty to prospective solar customers.  

“We deeply appreciate the work and leadership of CPUC President Peevey, the Commission and Governor Brown’s office in establishing a NEM transition period.  What’s more, we look forward to working with the CPUC on future rules which will continue to fairly value solar energy in a manner that enables innovation and encourages customers to adopt clean, on-site renewable energy in California.

“Today, California continues to lead the nation in solar capacity, generating 5,600 megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable electricity, which is enough to power more than 600,000 homes statewide.  Smart public policies such as NEM have helped to create nearly 50,000 jobs in California, pump billions of dollars into the state’s economy and reduce pollution.  That’s a win-win for the state anyway you look at it.”

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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