California

We’re in the process of doubling the panels on our roof (getting it in while we can still be grandfathered on selling back excess to them) because we’re still getting smacked by Southern California Edison for usage.

CA is already flat-rating the sell-back amount instead of metered for any new solar installations starting this month. The whole new process is bullshit because when we sell back excess generation we’re helping them handle excess usage so they don’t have to add more generating/transit capacity to the grid.

I hope this new scheme is grandfathered as well, or we’re going to get hammered by a flat rate charge on top of our panels’ lease payments. Otherwise, we’re going to get hosed again for trying to do the right thing.

I don’t see why a flat rate is a good thing, as it does nothing to incent conservation. Even if the flat rates are sky-high, I can just see people cranking the air conditioning and charging cars during peak period if this is implemented.