News from DSIRE: 3/2/12
MASSACHUSETTS – Net Metering Supersized for Government Facilities
In 2010, Massachusetts enacted legislation that created a special category of net metering for government facilities. Last month, the Department of Public Utilities issued an order adopting updated rules implementing the changes required by the law. As a result, government customers may net-meter systems up to 10 MW. The aggregate cap on such facilities is 2% of a utility’s peak load, whereas the cap for all other net-metering systems is 1% of the utility’s peak load. The DPU has also opened a docket to update the corresponding model net-metering tariff.
MICHIGAN – Consumers Energy PV Production Incentive Back in Action
Consumers Energy is now accepting applications from non-residential customers for Phase 5 of the utility’s Experimental Advanced Renewable Program. Contracts of up to 15 years are available for PV systems, with a performance-based incentive of $0.229/kWh. The application deadline is March 29.
MINNESOTA – Minnesota Power Raises Maximum PV Rebate
Minnesota Power has increased the maximum rebate for PV systems for the 2012 rebate year. Eligible customers will now receive up to $20,000 or 60% of installed costs. Rebates are set at $2,000/kW, with bonuses available for non-profits, customers who use NABCEP-certified installers, customers with energy-efficient homes, and Minnesota-made systems.
MICHIGAN – Consumers Energy PV Production Incentive Back in Action
Consumers Energy is now accepting applications from non-residential customers for Phase 5 of the utility’s Experimental Advanced Renewable Program. Contracts of up to 15 years are available for PV systems, with a performance-based incentive of $0.229/kWh. The application deadline is March 29.
MISSOURI – PSC to Ponder RPS
The Missouri Public Service Commission has opened a docket (Case EW-2012-0255) to review the state’s RPS rules, which have been in place for six months. A workshop to review the rules and discuss ideas to improve the standard will be held April 17.
NEW YORK – NYSERDSA PV Incentive Levels Ratcheted Down
NYSERDA has reduced PV incentives from $1.75/W to $1.50/W. This reduction affects the residential, non-residential, and non-profit and government sectors equally. It also has the effect of lowering maximum incentives for all project categories. Incentive levels are subject to change on a bi-monthly basis at NYSERDA’s discretion.
NEW YORK – LIPA PV Incentive Levels Drop
The Long Island Power Authority has reduced PV incentives for commercial customers from $1.75/W to $1.50/W. It has also reduced incentives for non-profits, schools and government customers from $2.75/W to $2/W. The incentive level for residential customers remains unchanged at $1.75/W.
OREGON – New Rates Set for Pilot PV Production Program
The Oregon Public Utilities Commission has set new rates for the fifth round of the state’s Pilot Solar Volumetric Incentive Rates & Payments Program. Rates for small-scale systems in Portland and the surrounding area increased slightly from $0.377/kWh to $0.411/kWh. For medium-scale systems, rates decreased from $0.317/kWh to $0.285/kWh in the Portland area and to $0.25/kWh elsewhere. The fifth round will open on April 2.
OREGON – Eugene Reduces Solar Pool-Heating Rebates
The Eugene Water and Electric Board has reduced the rebate level for solar pool-heating systems from $1,100 to $500. The incentive for solar water-heating systems was not changed.
TEXAS – CPS PV Rebate Program Restructured
CPS, the municipal utility serving San Antonio, has converted its PV rebate program from a three- tier structure to a four-tier structure. Rebate levels dropped from a range of $1.65/W – $3/W to $1.30/W – $2/W, and maximum incentives were revised from a flat limit of $200,000 to $25,000 for homes, $100,000 for certain businesses and schools, and $25,000 for businesses who don’t use local contractors.
TEXAS – San Marcos Serves up Renewables Rebates
The City of San Marcos Electric Utility is offering rebates for distributed renewables. Qualifying PV systems are eligible for a rebate of $2.50/W, with a maximum award of $5,000. Qualifying wind-energy systems are eligible for a rebate of $1/W, with a maximum rebate of $5,000. Rebates are limited to 50% of system installation costs.
WISCONSIN – Xcel Experimental Renewables Tariff Closed
Xcel Energy’s Experimental Advanced Renewable Energy Tariff has met its cap for 2012. Since the program opened in 2008, Xcel has purchased electricity and the associated RECs from customers’ biomass and wind-energy systems. Incentives for PV were offered for the first time in 2012.
