Mississippi is pressing ahead with the development of solar net metering rules, the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) confirmed on Wednesday.
An independent report published at the end of 2014 recommended that the state would likely benefit from the policy that would effectively allow solar customers to wind their meters backwards when exporting power to the grid.
“I am bound and determined that the PSC be active, alert and on the lookout for ways to help Mississippians save money,” said commissioner Brandon Presley. “Net metering is one way to do that.”
The PSC has now opened a public consultation on the issue with a deadline for comments of 1 July.
Debates about solar customers not supporting grid cost have surrounded the implementation of the policy in many other states. Some utility companies have argued that solar customers are not contributing to the upkeep of the grid while enjoying smaller monthly bills (see video clip, below).
A number of solutions such as grid charges and minimum charges for customers with solar have emerged to diffuse the debate.
Edison Electric Institute (EEI) TV ad attacking net metering
