I learned only today that in early February the WV Public Service Commission opened a new proceeding related to the adoption of proposed new rules for Net Metering and Interconnection for Distributed Generation.

This is a very important matter for those of US who are interested in "net metering" issues in West Virginia.

I have not yet read the Commission's proposed new rules. The order which includes the proposed new rules is available at: http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityID...'

Procedurally, almost nothing has happened on this case since it was opened a month ago. No public comments have been submitted- not even from the power companies. Public comments will be accepted until April 4th. Then, reply comments will be accepted until May 5th.

When the Commission first developed Net Metering rules in 2006, the PSC's staff went to great effort to bring the various interveners together to a "compromise" set of rules- and which the Commission adopted without change.

I believe that could well happen again- IF the parties are amenable to this process.

So far this is not a proceeding involving formal "interveners". It is a "public comment" type case in which the Commission would presumably weigh the public comments before issuing a final set of rules in this matter.

But if there are sufficient requests, the Commission could (but would not have to) re-group and have a more formal proceeding with actual intervening parties. This might or might not be in the best interest of our respective interests in this case / proceeding.

One advantage to this NOT being a case with formal interveners is that groups like WV Environmental Council and WV Citizen Action would need not have an attorney to participate as they would if this became a more formal case with legally recognized interveners.

Anyway, I wanted to let you know what is happening on this, and we can go from here. I realize that several of you who may be interested in this are currently busy with legislative work. But that should be mostly over by mid-March.

Too, since this proceeding was instituted in the midst of the regular legislative session, I suspect that the Commission might honor requests to extend the public comment period. But until we have read the proposed new Net Metering rules, it is probably premature to request the Commission to change the procedural schedule for this matter.

Frank

----- Original Message -----

From: Ellars, Jim To: 'fyoung@mountain.net' Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 8:57 AM Subject: Net Metering and Interconnection for Distributed Generation

Mr. Young,

I am contacting you because I know you were an intervener in the Commission's last case in 2006 regarding net metering and interconnection rules. In case you didn't know, the Commission initiated a proceeding on 2/2/10 (General Order 258) which is a rulemaking proceeding which includes net metering and interconnection issues.

The Commission published proposed rules in its Order, and comments to those rules are due to be filed no later than 4/4/10.

I know there are many folks in WV who are very interested in the state's rules regarding net metering and interconnection, so if you know of any parties who may want to file comments and/or participate in this proceeding please pass the word. We have about a month left before comments are due.

I would be happy to discuss this with you if you have any questions. Feel free to call me at the number below.

Jim

James W. Ellars, P.E. Senior Engineer Public Service Commission of West Virginia 304-340-0331 jellars@psc.state.wv.us