I think we need to comment on these net metering rules. The points below are a good start. I am especially opposed to the proposal to allow net metering credits for non-renewable energy sources, as this significantly dilutes the incentive for renewables.
I am sure that several of the experts on the Energy Committee could draft such a comment letter, but this is an opportunity for some new volunteers to step up and tackle a new and emerging issue. I can provide sources of info on net-metering, as well as precedents set in numerous other states. And if you want a few great talking points about why we want to stop subsidizing coal, see the blog from Bruce Nilles on Grist or the Huffington Post, available at:
Grist - http://www.grist.org/member/11566/
Huffington Post - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-nilles
Any volunteers?
JBK
"John Christensen" jbc329@earthlink.net 3/17/2010 1:32 PM >>>
[Attachment(s) from John Christensen included below]
Forgive me if you received this email in error but indulge me if you are concerned about WV interconnection and net metering standards which are sorely lacking. Let's generate some comments so to give our WV PSC something to work on and put them on notice that better standards are needed to encourage growth in the renewable energy sector. Attached is the fact sheet from our net metering legislation introduced this past session.
John Christensen Mountain View Solar and Wind Consultation, Sales, and Installation 410-499-4873 cell www.mtvsolar.com
----- Original Message ----- From: John Christensen To: Aaron Stoner;Clay Herzog;Colin Williams;Greg Reineke;John Christensen;John Smith;Mike McKechnie;Mountain View Builders;Sunny Pitcher;Tonya Sornson Sent: 3/17/2010 12:39:30 PM Subject: IREC article to be commented on by April 4th at 4pm
WEST VIRGINIA On February 2, the West Virginia Public Service Commission issued proposed modifications to the state’s net metering and interconnection rules under WV PSC General Order 258. These changes are pursuant to WV House Bill 103, and House Bill 408 in 2009. Highlights of the proposal include: • An increase in the aggregate participation limit from 0.1% of utility’s total load to 1% of the utility aggregate customer peak demand • Net excess generation during a billing period carries over at the full retail rate for up to 12 months and excess kWhs at the end of the annual period are reconciled at the utility’s avoided cost rate • System size limits are 25kW for residential, 500kW for commercial and 2MW for industrial customers • Customer owns RECs associated with generation • Virtual meter aggregation is allowed for meters within two miles of properties owned or leased by a customer within two miles of the customer’s property. For these arrangements, excess credits will be applied first to the meter through which the facility supplies electricity to the distribution system, then prorated equally to the remaining meters on the account There are also several red flags associated with this proposal, which are not in keeping with many other state rules or what IREC considers best practices: • Customer must pay for construction or upgrades to the electric utility system, should they be required in order to interconnect the facility (which could be cost-prohibitive) • Net metering is allowed for non-renewable resources (i.e. "alternative" sources) including waste coal, natural gas, tire-derived fuel and other non-renewable sources • All systems are required to have a redundant utility external disconnect switch • Customers must maintain at least $100,000 of liability insurance or such amount of coverage reasonably deemed necessary by the utility to protect its plant and other customers • Rules are vague regarding interconnection fees, terms and charges Comments on this proposal must be filed with the PSC by April 5, 2010.
We must decide whether we need to call for a public hearing soon, March 30 is the deadline for that. We need to file comments no later than April 4th. Let's get a letter writing campaign going amongst our considerable contact list to see if we can generate some buzz....or not...whatever we decide is best for our company and the state. JB
John Christensen Mountain View Solar and Wind Consultation, Sales, and Installation 410-499-4873 cell www.mtvsolar.com
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