We’re happy to announce the release of Freeing the Grid for 2009, a policy guide that grades states on their current net metering and interconnection practices. Together these two policies empower energy customers to use solar and other renewables to meet their own electricity needs.
This third edition finds that, although net metering and interconnection policies still vary widely, states have made significant strides in adopting the best practices that drive renewable energy market growth and job creation.
Here’s a quick overview of how grades have improved since 2007:
Net Metering
2007: 5 A; 8 B; 12 C; 6 D; 8 F; 12 no grade (default F)
2009: 11 A; 16 B; 8 C; 6 D; 3 F; 7 no grade
The 2009 report gives 27 states A or B grades for net metering standards, up from 13 in 2007. Eight states (Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas) still do not have statewide net metering programs.
Interconnection
2007: 0 A; 1 B; 9 C; 8 D; 15 F; 18 no grade (default F)
2009: 1 A; 14 B; 6 C; 6 D; 14 F; 10 no grade
All totaled, 15 states received A or B grades in 2009 for their interconnection standards, a significant improvement from only one state in 2007. Virginia is the first and only state to receive an A for excellent interconnection rules.
2009’s Freeing the Grid also explores new and evolving state policies – third-party Power Purchase Agreements, community net metering, and Feed-in Tariff incentive structures – designed to meet the changing needs of energy customers and a dynamic U.S. renewable energy market.
Previous editions of Freeing the Grid are available online.
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