CPUC Solar Fund Increase a No-Go

Contrary to expectations, annual funding for the California Public Utilities Commission?s program promoting clean self-generation was not increased to $300 million last year. The proposed decision on the Self-Generating Incentive Program (SGIP), which helps offset the cost of commercial and residential renewables systems larger than 30 kW, would have significantly boosted the funding from its current annual level of $125 million. However, the increase to $300 million was ultimately rejected because there was no record to support it, said administrative law judge Kim Malcolm. Malcolm?s ruling, released in late November, does increase the size of projects eligible for SGIP funds from 1 MW to 5 MW. Subsidies set at $4.50/watt would drop to $3.00 for localized energy installation. The ruling also seeks guidance on possible sources to fund the governor?s solar roofs initiative, which aims to create 3,000 MW of sun power?photovoltaics and solar thermal?and is currently estimated to cost $100 million/year. Another potential funding source is the California Energy Commission?s program that provides subsidies for systems under 30 kW. Whether the Energy Commission?s program and the CPUC?s Self-Generation Incentive Program will be tapped into separately or combined to pay for the administration?s initiative will be explored over the next few months.

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CPUC Solar Fund Increase a No-Go

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