What is happening
In December of 2020, the Pedernales Electric Cooperative board decided to impose several policies that would make going solar more difficult. For months, solar supporters have fought the board’s attempt. This fight is working. In July of 2021, the board voted to rescind several of these policies.
The board cited the feedback they had received from members several times over the course of their meeting. Additionally, members testified in support of solar for an hour over the course of the July meeting.
This shows that when solar owners speak out, we win!
Proposed changes could harm solar
The board walked back rate changes for solar customers it supported back in December: mandatory time of use rates and demand charges.
These were meant to go into effect in 2022. These changes would have altered how much electricity cost during different times of the day. The upshot of these changes is that they could limit how much you could save by going solar.
Further, the board voted to reduce the solar application and permitting fee, from $650 to $500.
The fight isn’t over
This is a significant win for solar rights. But there’s more work to do. The board voted to study the issue further. We need to make sure the board understands the benefit solar energy brings to solar owners and to all PEC customers.
