Statement: CALPIRG Education Fund and Environment California Research & Policy Center call on policymakers to save rooftop solar

Gov. Newsom and the California Public Utilities Commission should protect bedrock solar programs

CALPIRG Education Fund

SAN FRANCISCO — CALPIRG Education Fund and Environment California Research & Policy Center joined clean energy advocates, environmentalists, solar consumers and faith leaders in calling on state decision makers to defend rooftop solar. At an event on Wednesday at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Environment California Research & Policy Center and other groups pressed the government agency and Gov. Gavin Newsom to act responsibly on this issue.

The CPUC is currently considering changes to the state’s net metering program, which compensates solar owners for the excess electricity that they sell back to the grid. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) are pushing for drastic changes to this process. A joint proposal from PG&E, SoCal Edison and SDG&E would create the nation’s highest fixed charges for solar customers, while simultaneously slashing the net metering payments that solar customers receive. 

CALPIRG Education Fund State Director Jenn Engstrom issued the following statement: 

“Fully embracing rooftop solar is a no-brainer. With every new solar panel installed, we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, keep pollution out of our communities and reduce carbon emissions. Rooftop solar benefits consumers too. Here in California, homes, schools and businesses that go solar reduce our overall need for grid investments today, while helping build the clean and resilient grid of the future.”

Environment California Research & Policy Center State Director Laura Deehan issued the following statement:

“California is in a climate emergency, with record shattering heat waves, drought and wildfires spreading across the state. It couldn’t be more clear: The devastating effects of global warming are here now. To face down this danger, we have to get to 100 percent renewable energy as fast as possible, and rooftop solar is one of our best tools to get there. With so much at stake, California gutting net metering would reverse our trajectory as a leader in solving global warming right when our leadership is most needed.”