Several weeks back, WWL-TV exposed a loophole that several
utility companies were using to stop homeowners who installed solar panels from
receiving “net meters”.
Net metering allows consumers using solar panels to use the
energy provided by the panels when it is needed and not just when the energy is
generated. Essentially, net meters bank your energy credits during the day when
the sun is shining so you can use them at night when your panels are not
generating power. Net meters make solar panel purchases more attractive.
In 2011, the PSC issued a ruling that said that utilities
could stop issuing net meters when 0.5% of their peak electricity load went to
solar power customers.
At Wednesday's meeting, PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta stepped up with a plan to “grandfather”
consumers who have already purchased solar panels or those waiting on the
installation of solar panels and make them exempt from the utilities claims.
The plan will also make utilities provide better information
to solar companies and their customers about net metering
“This
is about notice and it's about accepting people in the gap and that this
directive is effective immediately, today,” Skrmetta said.
