Net-metering allows residents and companies to install generation sources on their roof or property to provide the electricity they need, mostly through the use of solar panels. Any excess electricity generation can be sold to the local power company. Appalachian Power (ApCo)currently pays $0.16 per kilowatt hour for the excess power and wants to grandfather that rate for current participants for 25 years, while offering new participants $0.04 per kilowatt hour.
In California, when the net-metering payment rate was reduced, it led to a loss of 77% to 85% in sales and 17,000 jobs. If the net-metering payment is reduced in Virginia, the demand for roof-top solar panels will go down in spite of funding available to homeowners for solar installation. Also, roof-top solar panels help avoid turning agricultural and forested land into solar farms.
The State Corporation Commission is expected to review ApCo’s request to lower the amount paid to customers who use net-metering. The result could set a precedent ahead of Dominion submitting its petition next year.
Appalachian Power Company requests reduction to pay rate for net-metering solar customers • Virginia Mercury
