L O C A L G O V E R N M E N T S I N A C T I O N
Carson El Segundo Gardena Hawthorne Hermosa Beach Inglewood Lawndale Lomita Manhattan Beach Palos Verdes Estates Rancho Palos Verdes Redondo Beach Rolling Hills Rolling Hills Estates Torrance Los Angeles District #15 Los Angeles County 2355 Crenshaw Blvd., #125
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 371-7222
[email protected]
www.southbaycities.org
January 10, 2022
Alice Reynolds, President
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Subject: Rulemaking 20-08-020: Net Energy Metering Revisit Dear President Reynolds:
On behalf of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), we must oppose Rulemaking 20- 08-020 and request the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) continue to work with all stakeholders to develop policies that work for all Californians while also helping the State reach solar adoption and energy storage goals. While the State struggles to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and works to combat the impacts of climate change, the SBCCOG is concerned that the proposed decision to increase the costs of solar adoption would jeopardize the installation of future solar projects and penalize those who have already adopted solar energy systems since it doubles the time to recoup the solar investment, effectively eliminating the incentive.
The need to address greenhouse gas emission reductions is critical. At this time, California is not meeting its carbon reduction goals. All projects and programs that help us reduce emissions must be top priority especially as the future of existing sources, such as hydroelectric power, are in doubt with the drought.
Additionally, decentralizing electricity production avoids the need for more distribution infrastructure.
Producing electricity close to the consumer is an insurance policy against long distance distribution disruption. Micro-electricity production is safe and prudent and should be encouraged.
The complexity of this issue requires a more complete evaluation and understanding of existing policies and potential solutions with all relevant stakeholders. The SBCCOG understands the need to reevaluate net energy metering policies in the future but urges the CPUC to oppose Rulemaking 20-08-020 at this time so that a more robust policy discussion can be had with all stakeholders balancing the critical climate change goals and infrastructure needs with proposals for policy changes. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact SBCCOG Executive Director, Jacki Bacharach, at 310-371-7222 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Drew Boyles, SBCCOG Chair
Mayor, City of El Segundo
CC: CPUC Commissioners Rechtschaffen, Shiroma, Houck, Reynolds Governor Gavin Newsom