Readers React: Memo to private utilities: Solar customers aren’t the enemy

To the editor: To ask the Public Utilities Commission not to look at the bottom line in determining what to allow private utilities to charge residential solar customers is not a very practical solution. (“Please, PUC, don’t cast a cloud over the solar boom,” editorial, Oct. 30)

The U.S. economy is unique in that it is highly influenced by short-term, bottom-line planning strategies. Any push for our utilities to switch to renewables will be driven by clean energy subsidies.

Southern California Edison should not squeeze the last drop of profit out of fossil fuels, not because it’s immoral (though that statement is true) but because future grid management will be heavily driven by added air conditioning units to homes that didn’t need them before climate change.

Edison can’t continue to solve its grid problems with rolling brownouts. It would be more economical for increased air conditioning power usage to be offset by residential solar units. There is economic synergy in renewables that any subsidy serves only to augment.

Pam Brennan, Newport Beach

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To the editor: I agree: A middle ground must be found that takes into account the benefit in terms of carbon dioxide reductions but simultaneously restricts the ability of people to freeload on our extensive and expensive power grid.

An issue of equal importance is the questionable financing options for residential solar installations. By my calculation, some customers are being charged more than $30,000 over a 20-year period for systems with an upfront cost of close to only $10,000.

Consumers, solar panel designers and the state as a whole should be the main beneficiaries of our solar revolution, not a handful of financing firms.

Neil A. Titchener, Palmdale

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To the editor: In response to the email I received from Edison regarding the new minimum $10 monthly fee that residents (including net energy producers such as solar rooftop customers) are now charged, I sent back a letter of clarification of the new fees I will be charging.

To enable Edison to meet California’s goal of 50% renewable energy in 15 years, I will charge the company $10 per month.

Bruce Tierney, Irvine

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