Colorado PUC votes to keep net metering for Xcel Energy's solar customers

By: InnovatioNews Thursday January 30, 2014 0 comments Tags: Brett Hunt, Colorado PUC, CSEIA, Denver, Edward Stern, net metering, Operation Free, Xcel Energy

DENVER - The Colorado Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday approved a motion from the Colorado Energy Office to keep net metering for Xcel Energy solar customers.

The decision followed strong public opposition to an Xcel plan to roll back the popular program.

Net metering gives solar customers full retail credit on their energy bills for the excess power they contribute to the grid for the utility to resell.

The PUC decision was widely supported by businesses, environmental groups and other solar stakeholders.

"The vast majority of Coloradans want rooftop solar to be more available and more affordable," said Edward Stern, executive director of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association.

"This is truly about power to the people. The decision today helps ensure a thoughtful discussion about the value of rooftop solar."

"Our future national security is directly linked to our ability to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and produce secure, clan and local energy," said Brett Hunt, spokesman for Operation Free, a nationwide coalition of veterans and national security experts working for a secure America with clean energy.

"Private investment in rooftop solar is helping build that cleaner, safer and more resilient energy supply here in Colorado."

Supporters of the PUC decision said local solar energy systems reduce the need for expensive, centralized power plants and transmission infrastructure, which benefits all energy customers.