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Rooftop Solar Industry Says Rate Changes Could Spell Doom

Michael Mazengarb
/
Flickr, Creative Commons

Advocates for the rooftop solar industry say a proposal under consideration by state utilities regulators could gut their growing business.

The Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to decide before the end of the year whether to end a policy known as “net-metering.”

It requires utilities to pay households with rooftop solar panels for excess energy that feeds the grid. Utilities must pay the same rate as they charge customers for energy.

PG&E has asked the commission to lower the rate, making it closer to what the company pays other generators. 

This story was produced by Capital Public Radio.