CPUC to Vote June 11 on Community Solar Rules
SkimNews Take
The ongoing legislative efforts to mandate a classification mechanism for community generators underscore a fundamental disagreement over the regulatory agency's interpretative authority versus the legislature's intent in energy policy.
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- CPUC is scheduled to vote June 11 on how the state will administer community solar projects, a decision that will affect their financial viability.
- Valerie Kao issued a proposed decision in April rejecting solar‑advocate‑requested changes to the Community Renewable Energy Program, citing state law and potential utility impacts.
- Assembly Bill 1813 would require the CPUC to establish a mechanism to determine whether community renewable energy generators are load‑modifying resources consistent with the California Energy Commission’s attributes.
- Solar Energy Industries Association criticized the CPUC’s proposed decision, saying it ignores the legislature’s intent and will virtually ensure no community solar projects are developed amid surging energy prices.
- Derek Chernow said the CPUC’s program is “doomed to fail” and noted the commission is not using its own avoided‑cost calculator to value projects.
Why it matters: California's solar developers risk losing revenue as the CPUC refuses to grant load‑modifying status and RA credits, while utilities avoid cost calculations, jeopardizing new community solar projects and raising consumer electricity costs.
