A new poll released today shows that an overwhelming majority (78%) of Coloradans support the state’s existing net metering program, an important rooftop solar policy that’s being targeted by the state’s major utility, Xcel Energy. The poll also found that a whopping 4 in 5 of Xcel’s own customers oppose the utility’s proposal to weaken net metering, a view that remains strong among solar and non-solar customers alike.
Net metering makes sure that homes, schools and businesses receive full credit for the excess energy they deliver to the grid for the utility to sell to their neighbors. It’s one of the most important state level policies for enabling customer investment in solar. It is helping Colorado harness its plentiful sunshine to build a cleaner, safer and more resilient energy supply. And as today’s poll results show, Coloradans clearly feel strongly that they want more of that solar power – and fair, full credit for it.
So why is Xcel Energy working against its own customers to penalize investment in homegrown solar energy? Xcel wants to change the rules on Coloradans who have gone solar by drastically cutting the credit these customers receive for electricity they put onto the grid. If the utility is successful, solar customers could see their bill-saving net metering credit cut in half.
On Wednesday, December 11, we’re going to send a clear message to Xcel executives that Coloradans support fair credit for solar power. If you live in Colorado, here are two ways you can help:
Sign our petition:
More than 20,000 Coloradans have already voiced their opposition to Xcel Energy’s anti-solar plan. ADD YOUR SIGNATURE HERE!
Show up in person:
At noon on December 11, we will gather in downtown Denver to deliver our petitions in person to Xcel. We’ll have solar-powered coffee, hot chocolate, and plenty of good company to keep warm. RSVP TODAY!
Xcel’s is the latest in a series of attacks on net metering from utilities that are trying to protect their old way of doing business by preventing continued solar adoption among their customers. Within the last year, these traditional energy interests have tried and failed to roll back net metering in states that run the gamut from California and Arizona to Idaho and Louisiana. In all cases, the utilities’ anti-solar proposals were met with strong opposition from a public that increasingly wants to generate its own power from the sun.
Let’s do it again! Help us spread the word that Xcel needs to withdraw its anti-solar proposal and keep Colorado solar shining today.
