California Regulators stiff arm utilities on solar for the public [View all]

[kristopher]

The utilities had launched a full court press to misinform the public on this issue; pushing the meme "supporting solar is a handout to the rich". Good to see they failed. It could be better, but this is pretty good.

Utility regulators more than double California's solar power goal
The state Public Utilities Commission raises the maximum total capacity for all rooftop solar systems in an electric bill-slashing program to about 5,200 megawatts from 2,400 megawatts.

By Marc Lifsher, Los Angeles Times
May 25, 2012
SACRAMENTO — California is poised to more than double its targeted electricity output from rooftop solar panels.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday tweaked its rules to authorize an increase in the number of residential, commercial and government buildings that can participate in a program that allows solar users to lower their electricity bills by getting credit for excess power sent back to the grid.

The move raises the maximum total capacity of all the state's rooftop solar systems to about 5,200 megawatts from a current 2,400 megawatts. That's enough new electricity to power about 2.1 million homes.

Proponents said the PUC's 5-0 decision would ensure that California would remain the nation's leader in solar power. The state's solar industry employs more than 25,000 workers and has raised more than $10 billion in private investment, they said.

"Solar energy provides a clean, renewable source of electricity for California homes and businesses," PUC President Michael Peevey said....

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-puc-solar-20120525,0,4107903.story