New York Public Service Commission Extends Net Metering for Solar Customers Based on COVID Impacts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) signaled that it will extend net metering through January 2022 for current customers based on the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on the solar industry. In addition, the NYPSC   established modest changes to net metering that will impact future rooftop solar customers in 2022.

Following is a statement by David Gahl, senior director of state affairs, northeast for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on NYPSC’s latest actions: 

“We’re pleased that the NYPSC is now recognizing the severe impact COVID-19 has had on the New York residential solar industry and is appropriately delaying any major rate design changes until 2022. This action will enable the residential solar industry to begin its recovery and rehire thousands of out of work New Yorkers. SEIA commends the NYPSC for rejecting more complicated rate design changes that would have further exacerbated harm to the solar industry. 

“SEIA remains concerned about the size of the “˜customer benefit charge’ which will be applied to future rooftop solar projects and ultimately decrease the savings customers experience when they switch to solar. While the charges wouldn’t take effect until 2022, we believe a lower charge is more appropriate. We look forward to reviewing the order and having future discussions with the NYPSC.”

About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact: 

Jen Bristol, SEIA’s Director of Communications, jbristol@seia.org, (202) 556-2886