Press Release

Statement from the OEC on Today’s PUCO Net Metering Determination

David Miller, November 9, 2017

Columbus, OH — The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Trish Demeter, Vice President of Policy at the Ohio Environmental Council:

“In Ohio, electricity customers who have installed renewable energy at their home or business can qualify for a net metering contract with their electric utility, giving them the opportunity to monitor both consumption and production of power on the property. 

“Today, the PUCO approved new rules that for net metering customers that have been pending since 2014. These rules are a mixed bag that allows for some reasonable flexibility for customers and renewable energy companies.

“However, while we take two steps forward, we have also taken a step backward. What this rule does is freeze the marketplace with the potential to slow down trends of growth in home-based solar use. This decision appears to hurt customers who have already installed these systems by not crediting them for the value that the system provides to the electric grid. 

“The Ohio Environmental Council will continue to evaluate today’s PUCO decision to ensure we maximize the growth of renewable energy opportunities in the state.”