Title
Utility Policies for Residential Grid-connected Solar Electric Systems, 031086 (NB)
Explanation
On July 6, 2006 the Regional Utilities Committee received a presentation on the policies of Austin Energy, Sacramento Municipal Utility District and other Florida utilities to promote residential grid-connected solar electric systems.
Current solar electric system interconnection policies and procedures are designed to encourage our customers to interconnect solar electric systems with the electric distribution system and provide a standard contract that guarantees they can sell any excess electricity generated back to GRU. Nearly all of the electricity generated by the solar electric systems currently interconnected to the electric distribution system is used within the customer's facilities, which displaces energy that would otherwise be purchased from GRU. Staff reviewed Florida regulations; other utility policies and tariffs, and conducted phone interviews of other Florida utilities. Staff also contacted Austin Energy and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to characterize the solar electric system interconnection policies and procedures of these utilities.
Staff proposals in the FY 2007 Budget include the impacts of fee elimination and a proposed PV rebate of $1.50 per Watt, which in association with the $4 State of Florida rebate, provides a $5.50 per Watt incentive.
Recommendations
The City Commission: a) Eliminate the $200 application fee for solar electric system interconnection, proposed in the FY 2007 Budget, and; b) Remove Item # 031086 - Utility Policies for Residential Grid-connected Solar Electric Systems from the Regional Utilities Committee (RUC) referral list
Fiscal Note
The impact of removing the application fee for these projects and the Photovoltaic rebates have been incorporated in the FY 2007 Budget
Drafter
Prepared by: Karen Johnson, Interim General Manager
Submitted by: Commissioner Craig Lowe, Chair, Re...
Click here for full text