Xcel Energy Proposal Update
July 22nd, 2009 : Posted in Solar Energy NewsBella Energy has received an update to the proposal by Xcel Energy from the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association. In an effort to keep all our customers informed on the manner we are posting the full email we received regarding Xcel Energy’s Proposed rate change.
Dear All,
Last Friday CoSEIA and the Solar Alliance met with Public Service (with their respective Counsel) to discuss the current rate case which includes a proposal that will effect net metered PV customers.
The proposal from PSCo is a distribution and transmission charge to recover costs from residential and commercial ratepayer classes. This is a variable minimum charge that can be higher than the existing minimal charge for other rate payers. Xcel Energy believes net metered customers need to pick up their fair share of the costs and this is an appropriate allocation of cost. What Xcel didn’t include in their cost analysis were the benefits of PV to the electrical grid. We believed this is a misplaced charge and have asked PSCo to remove the proposal from the rate case.
In the discussion, we learned the net metering charge would not go into effect until April of 2010 and all net metered customers prior to that would be grandfathered in. Also the calculations for the charge are different than anticipated. CoSEIA and the Solar Alliance have been waiting for answers to our discovery questions which are a week late. Without these answers we draw our conclusions from the testimony given and attempt to make them as accurate as possible.
CoSEIA and the Solar Alliance offered to send PSCo reports completed by NREL, SMUD, and others, which analyze and describe the benefits of solar electric systems to the grid. Xcel Energy stated they would take into consideration what was discussed and would follow up once the reports were received.
Despite the better understanding of the proposal, we know these charges are ridiculous when the benefits of PV are not calculated into the equation. We appreciate PSCo meeting with us and will continue to work for good policies.
More updates soon. Have a great Monday,
Beth Hart
Executive Director
Tags: Solar News, Solar Rates
July 24th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I would like to speak at the public hearing. I promise a well thought out, well delivered address. How do I get on the list?
July 28th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Speaking at the PUC hearing is relatively simple, just show up at the meeting. There will be a sign up list for people who would like to speak. It is on a first come first serve basis so you can just sign up and when your turn comes they will announce you.