Solar DG Financing, CPUC Sunshine Bills Signed

Under urgency legislation now signed into state law, up to $60 million from the Renewable Resources Trust Fund can be spent over the next four years to foster noncentralized emerging renewables. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called AB 135, authored by Assemblymember Sarah Reyes (D-Fresno), "an aggressive plan to create 1 million solar systems." He added, "It includes financial incentives to assist homeowners in absorbing the upfront costs of installing solar, energy pricing reform to increase incentives for conservation and ensure real-time pricing reflects actual costs." The governor noted in his September 29 statement supporting the bill that he is still pursuing the "Million Solar System Initiative." Legislation that calls for increased public access to California Public Utilities Commission decision making was also signed. Senator Debra Bowen's (D-Redondo Beach) SB 1488 requires the CPUC to begin hearings to ensure that its policies conform to the California Public Records Act and Chapter 583 of the Public Utilities Code. The initial version of the bill was written to make all utility filings with the CPUC presumptively open. The Public Records Act presumes that all documents, statements, and gifts provided to state government are publicly available unless they fit into particular exceptions. Chapter 583 of the utilities code states the oppositepthat all utility filings are presumed to be secret unless the commission specifically makes them public. Chapter 583 is "against the spirit of the Public Records Act," argued CPUC staff lawyer Fred Harris last spring. The secrecy that follows from Chapter 583 has posed a problem for those who want to participate in CPUC deliberations. Since only utilities and the commission know what information is in a filing, it is difficult for the public to argue the facts. Similarly, when concerned parties suspect malfeasance--for example, in the area of utility tree trimming-- they must file a Public Records Act request. If it is rejected, the matter must then be appealed to the full commission. --Steven Bodzin & J.A. Savage

Over 11K Stories!

| Independently Powered Energy News

Solar DG Financing, CPUC Sunshine Bills Signed

vdharadmin

Related Posts

Op-Ed: Before and After Net Energy Metering 3, A Thought Experiment

Auld Lang Zine

CPUC Chops Solar Rooftop Payments & Adds Battery Incentives, Few are Happy

Wind Developers Call for Cost Assurance