WLGCC commends Public Service Commission for rejecting proposed changes to net metering
Press Release - November 9, 2023
The Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition commends the Public Service Commission for their decision to convene a statewide process to explore net metering, rather than dealing with it on a piece-meal, utility by utility basis in the MGE and Alliant rate cases.
WLGCC intervened in the rate cases earlier this year on behalf of member communities, citing the potential statewide implications of such cases. Read the full briefs here.
The process known as "net metering" allows individuals to receive credit from their utility for power generated by rooftop solar. MGE and Alliant both proposed to end their existing net metering tariff and replace it with alternative programs that were less favorable for customers and could be detrimental for the parallel generation market in the state.
“WLGCC decided to intervene in the MGE and Alliant rate cases because of the possible precedent-setting nature of these utilities' proposals to move away from the current net metering policy, which has been an essential tool for increasing customer-sited solar across the state.” said Allison Carlson, Executive Director of WLGCC. “I am pleased to see Commissioners taking steps toward a more comprehensive state-wide process for net metering.”
Commissioner Huebner specifically mentioned that local governments weighed in on this issue, which included our members with Dane County, City of Madison, and City of Middleton.
Related excerpts from WLGCC member testimony are included below:
City of Madison: “The City of Madison strongly believes that the proposed changes to the Pg-2 rate would undermine and impede the ability for the City to reach 100% renewable energy and net zero carbon emissions for City operations by 2030 and the ability of the Madison community to do the same by 2050.” (Direct-COM-Price-r-7, MGE rate case)
City of Middleton: “Net metering is a key component of these (solar PV system) evaluations and decisions. The ability to export excess power to the grid and reduce future electric bills is the incentive that allows public officials to commit to solar, and encourages developers to include solar energy in their development projects. Net metering is central to maintaining the momentum we have built to decarbonize through renewable energy systems." (Direct-City of Middleton-Hilyard-7, MGE rate case)
Dane County: “The proposed changes to net metering will definitely slow customer-sited solar installations in Dane County. Installations will slow because projects will have longer paybacks and it will be much more difficult for customers to determine whether or not a solar array is a cost effective investment.” (Direct-DC-Kuntz-7, Alliant rate case)