Court sees if church solar panels break electricity monopoly [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Emery P. Dalesio, Ap Business Writer
Updated 9:24 am, Saturday, April 14, 2018

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's highest court is taking up a case that could force new competition on the state's electricity monopolies.

The state Supreme Court on Tuesday will consider the Utilities Commission's decision to fine clean-energy advocacy group NC WARN for putting solar panels on a Greensboro church's rooftop and then charging it below-market rates for power.

The commission told NC WARN that it was producing electricity illegally and fined the group $60,000. The group said it was acting privately and appealed to the high court.

If the group prevails, it could put new pressure on Duke Energy's monopoly. State regulators say a ruling for NC WARN would allow companies to install solar equipment and sell power on site, shaving away customers and forcing Duke Energy to raise rates on everyone else.

More:
https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Court-sees-if-church-solar-panels-break-12834123.php