Tagged In: Clean Energy
MJ Eckhouse, July 17, 2020
On Thursday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) unanimously dismissed a petition to end net metering, a key policy that enables smaller renewable energy projects like rooftop solar. Earlier this spring, a secretive group, calling itself the New England Ratepayers Association (NERA), asked FERC to end state and local jurisdiction over net metering programs across the nation.
Ohio has nearly 7,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers that have instituted solar. The proposed changes in the NERA petition would have imposed unnecessary costs upon net metering customers, compensated customers at a rate less than what they deserved, and likely would have prevented new customers from installing solar as well.
More than 450 organizations, 57,000 individuals and 37 states submitted comments opposing the NERA petition, including the Ohio Environmental Council and hundreds of our members.
The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Miranda Leppla, Vice President of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council:
“FERC’s unanimous ruling rejecting the petition to end net metering is a big win for our climate, our communities, and all Ohioans who have embraced solar energy. We are encouraged by this decision as properly compensating solar owners through net metering is an important aspect of increasing solar in the state. Rooftop solar ensures Ohioans can choose energy independence and encourages continued economic investment in our renewable energy sector. We will continue to support smart net metering policies and work with partners to secure a clean energy future that reduces air pollution and protects public health.”
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