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CALSEIA Members,
We are extremely pleased to share the attached press release with you. We have been working closely with the Governor, the Legislature, the PUC, SCE, Environment California, CEERT, Vote Solar, PV Now and other advocacy groups on the process for implementing a solution to the time of use rate issue. We have many people to thank and as the legislation moves forward we will give you more information (things are still developing but CALSEIA will let you know as much as we can as soon as we can).
While there remain other problems and issues with the CSI program, getting the TOU issue addressed is a good first step. We will get to work on the other issues as soon as we can but not until the TOU issue has been resolved.
Thank you all for your membership, support, and persistence. We all hope that soon you will be able to place many, many reservations into the hopper for residential, small commercial, and multifamily projects.
Best regards,
Sue Kateley, Executive Director
info@calseia.org
For Immediate Release: Gov. Schwarzenegger Sponsors Legislation to Correct Flaw in California's Million solar Roofs Plan
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that he is sponsoring legislation to fix an unintended flaw in legislation passed last year to complete his Million Solar Roofs plan. The program, administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), provides financial incentives to home and business owners to install solar systems to reduce electricity demand in California, helping to ensure an adequate supply and protect the environment."California is a national leader in solar energy. By expanding its use in homes and businesses across our state, we can help fight greenhouse gases while bringing more jobs to California." said Governor Schwarzenegger. "Last year's legislation had an unintended flaw we are seeking to immediately fix so we can maximize Californians' participation in the program."
To expedite the passage of urgency legislation, the Governor has reached a conceptual agreement with a bipartisan group of legislators including Assemblymembers Lloyd Levine, Rick Keene, Bonnie Garcia, John Benoit and Senators Christine Kehoe, Bob Dutton and Jim Battin to quickly introduce a bill that fixes the problem. The Governor has also worked with utilities, environmental groups and other stakeholders to craft the agreement.
The unintended problem is related to the current statutory requirement for Time of Use rates for electricity customers that install solar systems. The solution allows the CPUC to temporarily change the rate structure for solar systems installed since January 1, 2007. The legislation must be signed into law by June 6, 2007, to allow the CPUC to take action at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
The legislation will also allow the CPUC to offer rebates or credits to ratepayers impacted by the current rate structure.
Since taking office, the Governor has made it a priority to develop a self-sustaining solar industry for California. Gov. Schwarzenegger worked for more than two years with the legislature and the California Public Utilities Commission to create a solar program for the citizens of California. To fully implement the incentive program, he signed SB 1 by Senator Kevin Murray (D-Los Angeles) in August, 2006.
One million solar roofs will greatly increase the state's rooftop solar energy capacity, providing the output equivalent of five modern electric power plants. This program's 3,000 megawatt goal, taken together with other aggressive solar initiatives such as requiring utilities to acquire 20 percent of the power used within the state from renewable sources, will make California once again a world leader in solar power.
In October of last year, the Governor launched the Go Solar California Web site (www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov), a one stop shop for information on the state's solar programs for California residential and commercial power users.