Shaun Chapman
Long Beach, CA -Achieving sound energy policy is an illusive process that is all too often tragically mired by conflicting interests. So it is a credit to the state of Colorado that policymakers were able to get a clear, sound net metering policy on the books for investor-owned utilities.
Net metering is an option available (in most U.S. states) for consumers to get credit for the electricity they generate using renewable-energy resources, such as solar and wind. “Without exception, significant deployment of clean, customer-sited distributed generation occurs only in states with modern net metering policies,” is the finding of Freeing the Grid 2007, a joint report released at the Solar Power 2007 Conference in Long Beach, CA by The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), the Network for New Energy Choices (NNEC), the Solar Alliance and The Vote Solar Initiative.
The voters of Colorado got the ball rolling when they passed Amendment 37. This amendment required the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to craft proper net metering rules.
"We think we're doing things right in Colorado and it's great to have our hard work cited by these groups," said Colorado Public Utilities Chairman Ron Binz. "With the leadership of Governor Ritter and the Legislature, we're creating a good environment for solar and wind power."
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission was honored for getting the rules right with the 2007 Golden Meter Award, presented by the Freeing the Grid 2007 authors.
Colorado currently shares the number-one slot with New Jersey, according to Freeing the Grid 2007. Both states received an "A" in the report and serve as role models for other states seeking to promote customer-sited, grid-tied renewable energy. (Click here to see the executive summary. The full report will be released mid November.)
Many Coloradans still receive their power from rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities which are currently not subject to the benefits of the excellent PUC net metering rules.
If you want to know how your state can join Colorado in providing clean, efficient power please contact:
Shaun Chapman
Communications Manager
Network for New Energy Choices
212.991.1831
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