by jbs110309 — November 4, 2009—Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) recently committed to increase the amount of net metering for rooftop solar in its territory from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent to ensure that investment in solar continues to grow. PG&E will submit the change in tariffs to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for approval shortly.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement October 26 after the announcement: “California is the undisputed national leader when it comes to solar energy. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses are generating their own solar power, and thousands more are getting in line. PG&E’s action ensures that this movement toward renewable energy continues and I thank them for their great leadership. Furthermore, I commit to introduce legislation that will permanently eliminate all caps on net metering in California so there are no arbitrary limits on the amount of solar we can install, the number of jobs we can create, and the amount of energy we can save.
“Solar installations are growing rapidly in California with more than 50,000 homes and businesses generating their own solar power. In fact, the California Solar Initiative is three years ahead of schedule, which means the state is on target to meet its ambitious solar goals but is also close to running up against PG&E’s 2.5 percent cap on net metering. Because net metering allows home and business owners who install solar to be reimbursed for excess power returned to the grid, running up against PG&E’s cap would chill customer investment in new installations. PG&E’s action to increase the amount of net metering will ensure continued investment in solar in California. The Administration will work with the CPUC and the legislature to ensure that net metering is a cost-effective option for solar customers and utilities.”
