Statement: Proposal Is “A Step Backward for Energy Freedom and Affordability”
Charleston, WV– A coalition of nonprofits and solar companies strongly opposes Appalachian Power's (AEP) proposed rate increase, saying it would directly harm West Virginians by undermining rooftop solar adoption and penalizing ratepayers. The proposal, currently under review by the Public Service Commission, not only increases rates across the board, but it would also directly limit all customers’ ability to benefit from solar panels on their rooftops.
Currently, customers with rooftop solar receive fair credit for any excess energy their systems produce. Now, AEP is asking the Public Service Commission to approve a dramatic cut to this fair crediting rate. Furthermore, the AEP proposal required unworkable timelines; customers who wished to avoid the credit cuts needed to have the interconnection paperwork for their solar energy systems submitted by Dec 31, 2024 – with projects given a ‘certificate of completion’ by the utility by April 30, 2025. Anything later than that, and customers would be stuck with the dramatically lower net metering rate.
“AEP’s proposal makes clear that they want to maintain an absolute monopoly,” said Jim Kotcon, a homeowner with rooftop solar. “I like having the freedom to generate my own electricity, but the economics don’t work if the utility does not give me a fair return for the energy I generate.”
Dan Conant, founder and CEO of solar installation business Solar Holler, shared, “Solar Holler depends on fair energy policies to bring the cost of power down for our customers and to keep our business healthy. Predictability and fairness are central to that and AEP has blatantly disregarded both. West Virginians deserve a choice in their energy future, especially when AEP continues to fail at keeping prices reasonable."
Lee Casto, director of solar installation business Revolt Energy, added, “it’s making it harder on the people of Appalachia, who can’t make informed decisions on their energy future.”
“Solar provides locally owned, locally generated power that contributes to a stronger, more resilient electrical grid,” said Courtney MacDonald from West Virginians for Energy Freedom. “If AEP is serious about reducing costs and improving reliability, it should focus on policies that encourage solar energy adoption, not stifle it.”
According to Leah Turgeon, West Virginia Program Director for Solar United Neighbors, “People go solar for all sorts of reasons – to save money, to become more energy independent, to support local clean energy, and more. Regardless of their reasons, West Virginians need fair solar crediting policies in order to make solar work.”
For more information, visit act.solarunitedneighbors.org/a/fair-solar-crediting-wv