Colorado Springs City Council Rejects Proposal to Charge Solar Customers More
Hundreds of Colorado Springs residents attended a hearing at city hall to discuss a proposal to increase monthly bills for solar customers.
The proposal was part of the new Energy Wise program, which charges normal grid electric users more for power used during peak hours (5-9 p.m.). Solar users were initially excluded from this change.
Solar users generate most of their energy during the morning or early afternoon hours when demand for energy is lower and supply is higher — making energy during these hours cheaper.
After nine hours of testimony, the city council informally voted 5-4 to kill the proposal, citing concerns from solar customers who had spent tens of thousands of dollars installing solar panels.
Author's summary: City council rejects proposal to charge solar customers more for peak hour usage.
- The Energy Wise program was rolled out in October.
- Solar users were not included in the initial change.
- The goal was to level the field for all energy users.