In response to the tidal wave of public opposition, the Public Service Company of Colorado (aka Xcel Energy) has dropped its proposed "net-meter" tariff to solar customers. The proposal, widely considered unwarranted and discriminatory, went before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on May 1st and included a new charge that would penalize solar customers.
 The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association, its members, existing and future solar customers, local leaders, and partner groups mounted a grass-roots campaign against the rate increase. The campaign engaged supporters in donating to the legal fees to beat Xcel, writing the PUC and culminating in what was to be a large outcry at the Public Hearing scheduled tomorrow, August 5th. CoSEIA would like to thank the Governor and his Energy Office for engaging in discussions with Xcel which achieved an alternative approach.
"I am very pleased that Xcel dropped the net meter charge from the rate case," said Beth Hart, Executive Director of CoSEIA. "I agree with Xcel's recommendation that the issue be addressed through a roundtable workshop-type process. We are looking for what is fair and equitable, something all energy consumers can understand, something that will credit the conservationist and not create division."
While ALL renewable acquisitions in Xcel Energy territory cost ratepayers less than 2 percent, there is NO statutory limit on fees collected for dirty fossil fuel generation owned by Xcel. As a result, Xcel Energy, the owner of Colorado's largest utility is being criticized by many other groups for reported earnings of over $117 million — an increase in second-quarter profits of 11 percent.
CoSEIA and champions such as Senator Morgan Carroll, House Representatives Andy Kerr, Judy Solano, Claire Levy, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, Randy Fischer and others are considering legislative efforts to ban any future attempts to assess net-meter charges as well as create opportunities to increase solar ownership by Coloradans - this precedent exists in other states. COSEIA looks forward to working with Xcel to identify and define the benefits of distributed generation.
The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association represents (COSEIA) and serves energy professionals and renewable energy users. COSEIA promotes the use of solar energy and conservation to improve the environment and create a sustainable future. For more information, visit the COSEIA website. |