Bill draws fire over rate cuts for PV systems' excess power

By Alan Yonan Jr.

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Feb 26, 2013

~~<p>A bill that would reduce the amount of credit homeowners receive for excess electricity produced by their rooftop photovoltaic systems was roundly criticized by industry officials and other renewable energy proponents who testified against the measure at a hearing Monday.</p>
<p>State Rep. Denny Coffman (D, Holualoa-Kailua-Kona-Honokohau) said he introduced House Bill 1256 in an attempt to address concerns that the boom in PV installations is reducing the amount of revenue Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries are able to collect to cover their fixed costs. Those "lost contributions to fixed costs" ultimately are borne by ratepayers who don't have PV systems, according to the bill.</p>
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A bill that would reduce the amount of credit homeowners receive for excess electricity produced by their rooftop photovoltaic systems was roundly criticized by industry officials and other renewable energy proponents who testified against the measure at a hearing Monday.

State Rep. Denny Coffman (D, Holualoa-Kailua-Kona-Honokohau) said he introduced House Bill 1256 in an attempt to address concerns that the boom in PV installations is reducing the amount of revenue Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries are able to collect to cover their fixed costs. Those "lost contributions to fixed costs" ultimately are borne by ratepayers who don't have PV systems, according to the bill. Login for more...