Pennsylvania PUC issues solar policy statement

PENNSYLVANIA –Here’s one that we missed last month:

In November the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a proposed policy statement to address possible barriers that prevent new solar projects from becoming a reality in Pennsylvania.

“The proposed policy statement is designed to provide a foundation from which we can achieve these solar renewable energy goals at least cost to Pennsylvania consumers,” said Commission Chairman James H. Cawley in a motion.  “More specifically, this policy seeks to provide the longer term revenue stability that is likely needed to support both small scale and large scale solar development, and to address other barriers which could prevent new solar projects from coming to fruition in Pennsylvania.”

The Commission voted 4-0 to seek comment on the proposed language. The proposed policy statement:

• Defines large- and small-scale solar projects;
• Recommends using requests for proposals to establish solar renewable energy credit (SREC) values recoverable as a reasonable expense;
• Establishes a stakeholder working group of electric distribution companies, electric generation suppliers, Commission staff, public advocates, solar aggregators and other interested parties to ensure SREC contracts reflect the most recent developments in Pennsylvania law and energy policy; and
• Encourages consumer education of retail customers of the opportunity to sell SRECs in support of local development of solar resources.

[Editor’s note: Despite the fact that the PUC claimed that instructions for commenting would appear in the PA bulletin, no record of this issue could be found in any of the subsequent issues. We will let you know if we hear anything more on this topic.]

Laurel Passera

Laurel is a Senior Renewables Analyst for IREC attorneys Keyes, Fox & Wiedman, and engages in research and analysis of net metering and interconnection regulatory trends to support IREC’s outreach and communication efforts. In 2009, Laurel was a Southeast Regional Network fellow for the Southeast Environmental Leadership Program and currently sits on Raleigh City Council’s Environmental Advisory Board.