Thanks for signing letters in support of good new rules for Pennsylvania solar. MAREA filed your signatures and comments with the PA Public Utility Commission. To see all Comments on this issue, visit the PA PUC and search for docket number M-2017-2631527.
Stay tuned… we’ll keep you posted of updates!
Background
In a show of bipartisan support for clean energy, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 40 in October 2017. The intent of the law is to “close” the solar renewable energy credit (SREC) “border” by permitting only in-state solar systems to qualify for Pennsylvania’s SRECs. Previously, the state’s “open borders” practice allowed systems in 12 other states (and D.C.) to receive our credit. This resulted in an oversupply of SRECs, a loss of investment in Pennsylvania’s solar market, and solar jobs going to other states that could have been created here.
The Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) must now implement Act 40. Unfortunately, in December the PUC took a stunningly bad first step with a tentative implementation order that relies on a flawed legal interpretation of Act 40. Under the PUC’s interpretation, all existing out-of-state solar systems would be grandfathered and could continue to receive Pennsylvania’s SRECs. This legal interpretation is completely counter to the intent of the law and would make Act 40 utterly useless.
PUC Chairman Brown and Vice Chairman Place issued their own interpretation of Act 40 that does accurately interpret the law as it was intended. [Read the Post-Gazette article that nicely details the differences.]
To support enacted this bill correctly, add your name or your business/organization name to a sign-on letter below, that will will be submitted to the PUC telling them to accurately interpret and implement the law as the General Assembly intended.
Thanks for all who signed! Letters have been submitted. To see all Comments on this issue, visit the PA PUC and search for docket number M-2017-2631527.