PURPA Final Rule Approved, Net Metering Petition Denied at FERC Meeting

摘要

A final rule to ease utility obligations associated with the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), and the dismissal of a petition to undermine net metering were two major items FERC tackled at the July 16 open meeting. Both cases involve small renewable power projects, with solar and wind power trade commending the decision on net metering and examining the final rule on PURPA to assess the implications. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) didn't take long to comment that the PURPA changes will stifle the intention of the law and allow utilities to strengthen their monopolies. “We will continue advocating for reforms that strengthen PURPA and allow solar to compete nationwide,” said Katherine Gensler, vice president of regulatory affairs at SEIA.