by Rebecca Walker — December 10, 2010—Renewable energy advocates released the 2010 Edition of Freeing the Grid, a policy guide that grades states on two key programs: net metering and interconnection procedures.
Together these policies empower energy customers to use solar and other renewables to meet their own electricity needs, says the organization, Network for New Energy Choices (NNEC).
Now in its fourth year of publication, the 2010 report indicates that states continue to drive progress in the nation’s renewable energy economy.
Freeing the Grid is produced annually by NNEC in partnership with Vote Solar, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), and the North Carolina Solar Center.
This year, 37 states received “A” or “B” grades for their net metering policies, up from 13 states in 2007. Also, 20 states received “A” or “B” grades for good interconnection practices, a tremendous improvement over the solitary “B” grade awarded in 2007.
Massachusetts and Utah received exceptional “A” grades in both interconnection and net metering. This is the first time in the report’s history that any state has achieved “A” grades in both categories.
Colorado’s use of proven best practices and innovative new policy models earned it the top score in net metering.
NNEC promotes policies that ensure safe, clean, and environmentally responsible energy options. For more on the organization, see the Web site.
The full text of the report is available for download.
