FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 26, 2008
CONTACT: James Rose (212) 991-1832
Focus on Net Metering Expansion in Lt. Governor’s Task Force Report Draws Praise from The Vote Solar Initiative and Network for New Energy Choices
NEW YORK, NY - The Network for New Energy Choices (NNEC) and the Vote Solar Initiative applaud the Renewable Energy Task Force and Lieutenant Governor David A. Patterson’s heavy support for expanded net metering in their first report. The report entitled, Clean, Secure Energy and Economic Growth: A Commitment to Renewable Energy and Enhanced Energy Independence, speaks encouragingly about New Yorker’s ability to run their meters backwards with clean technologies, like solar and wind. Net metering is the billing arrangement by which customers realize savings from their renewable energy systems, where 1-kWh (kilowatt-hour) generated by the customer has the exact same value (in cents/kWh) as 1-kWh consumed by the customer.
“Energy policy, with its direct impact on the economy and the environment, is one of the key issues facing New York State and we commend Lt. Governor Paterson and the Task Force for the report’s recommendations”, says NNEC Director Kyle Rabin. “In addition to the obvious benefits for the environment, a strong net metering policy will also aid in the development of New York’s clean energy industry which in turn can help to reinvigorate the state’s economy, in particular revitalizing the upstate economy.”
“New York’s leaders have a real opportunity to transform what is one of the country’s most restrictive net metering programs into one of the nation’s strongest”, states NNEC’s James Rose. “If the state fails to make the necessary changes to its net metering policy, then New York is essentially telling the renewable energy industry, with its great potential for job creation, that the state is closed for business. Neighboring states, like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have very strong net metering programs. In fact, New Jersey continues to look for ways to improve its program. New York must not get left behind.”
As noted and recommended in the Task Force’s report, there are several ways in which New York can improve its net metering policy. The commitments mirror NNEC’s Freeing the Grid 2007 report, which lays out the best practices embodied within some state net metering programs. The most notable ways in which New York can improve its net metering program are:
• Increase system size to at least 2-MW (megawatts): System sizes should be expanded to meet customer needs. Large commercial operations have loads that can run in the tens of megawatts. A good net metering program should allow these customers to have at least a 2-MW clean energy system.
• Open up net metering to ALL customer classes: NY’s net metering program currently is limited to residential and agricultural, meaning businesses cannot benefit from this important energy cost hedge. New York and Indiana are the only two states, out of 40, with net metering programs this restrictive.
"The Vote Solar Initiative is thrilled with Lt. Gov Paterson's leadership on renewable energy. The recommendation to improve net metering, with the clear goal of giving all customer classes, most importantly New York businesses, the ability to receive credit for producing clean energy is welcomed progress. Expanded net metering rules are a good first step towards the goal of being a national leader. With all the proper policies in place, the sky is the limit for solar power in New York." says Shaun Chapman, East Coast Campaign Director for the Vote Solar Initiative.
NNEC and the Vote Solar Initiative applaud the Lieutenant Governor and the Task Force for doing the important daily work to improve New York’s clean energy future and looks forward to working with leaders in 2008 to make essential changes to New York’s net metering policy to help reinvigorate our economy, and bring more clean power to New Yorkers.
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