Net Metering: Solar Rights on the Chopping Block

Moderator: Anya Schoolman, DC-Sun, CPN

Panelists:

• Rob Celentano, Vice President, MSEIA, President PASEIA
• Peter Olmsted, The Vote Solar Initiative 
• Richard Perez, Ph.D., Arsc, University at Albany, NY

Like rollover minutes on a cell phone bill, net metering gives renewable energy customers fair credit on their utility bills for valuable clean power they put back on the grid. This simple billing arrangement is one of the most important state policies for encouraging investment in solar — but it’s under attack from utilities across the country. This (panel/presentation) will address the net metering debate head on with a current, fact based look at the state of play with net metering, with a focus on looking at the costs and benefits of the policy. The (panel/presentation) will present an overview of the importance of net metering and will draw upon case studies where net metering assessments are underway, with major overhauls to the policy possible.