ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today provided new guidance regarding the net metering of solar power when it announced that renewable energy development companies and utilities will have more time to transition away from existing rules related to the amount of financial credits provided to certain types of net-metered projects to ensure a more fair and reasonable process. 

To prevent disruption of ongoing net-metered generation projects that are already underway, the Commission is staying its December decision that restricted how customers with multiple locations could participate in net metering programs. The Commission also postponed its rule requiring utilities to file new tariffs that were intended to resolve concerns about how such customers are compensated.  To give adequate time to adjust to the closing of this loophole, the Commission also decided not to restrict the grandfathering of solar projects already underway to allow for the consideration of other methods of accomplishing the transition.

“By increasing the amount of time needed to effectuate this new policy and more actively manage the transition toward a more equitable payment system, we will safeguard consumers from having to pay more for solar energy in the net metering process,” said Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “The Commission’s decision today will give parties more time to ensure a smooth transition in the modification of the utilities’ net-metering rules.”

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits customers who produce their own renewable energy, such as solar power. Customers are only billed for their electricity use that exceeds the amount of electricity that they generate on their own.

Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 14-E-0151 or 14-E-0422 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.