Your Utility Company is Hell-Bent on Keeping Control Over Your Energy Future
Net Metering is under attack across the country. In California, thousands of jobs are in jeopardy or already lost because of the new NEM 3.0 rules implemented in 2023. Utility companies claim that net metering is not in the best interest of the public, and use public dollars to lobby for change that directly hurt the public. This system is broken, and even if you are not currently a solar home owner, you should be upset by what the utility companies are taking away from homeowners like you. This blog outlines the many benefits of Net Metering and what you can do to help protect your ability to control your own energy future.
Elevating Property Values through Solar Adoption
One of the often-overlooked benefits of solar power and net metering is their positive impact on property values. A study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that homes equipped with solar panels tend to sell at a premium compared to their non-solar counterparts. The presence of solar installations is increasingly perceived as an attractive feature by homebuyers, translating into a tangible increase in property value.
In fact, homes with solar panels have been shown to sell, on average, for about 4% more than homes without solar. This not only underscores the growing demand for sustainable living spaces but also highlights the economic value that solar installations bring to individual property owners. Net metering plays a pivotal role in this equation by allowing homeowners to not only generate their own electricity but also to receive credits for surplus energy fed back into the grid. Utilities that take away net metering make it harder to improve property value and equity for homeowners.
Fostering Economic Growth at the Community Level
Beyond individual property value, the adoption of solar energy and net metering has far-reaching implications for the economic well-being of entire communities. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that the solar industry provides substantial economic benefits, including job creation and increased economic activity. For every megawatt of solar energy installed, approximately 24 jobs are created across the value chain, from manufacturing and installation to sales and maintenance.
Communities that embrace solar power and net metering become hubs of economic activity, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities. Local businesses thrive as the demand for solar-related services and products increases. This virtuous cycle of economic growth is not only a boon for communities but also aligns with broader efforts to transition towards a green economy. Keeping jobs and equity within communities while strengthening the resiliency of the grid and reducing the need to burn fossil fuels should be a no-brainer!
The Financial Case for Net Metering
From a financial standpoint, net metering proves to be a sound investment for both individuals and communities. The excess energy generated by solar installations doesn't go to waste; instead, it is fed back into the grid, earning solar panel owners credits on their electricity bills. This dynamic not only lowers energy costs for homeowners but also contributes to the stability and resilience of the energy grid.
Moreover, the environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions cannot be overstated. Communities that embrace solar power and net metering contribute to a cleaner environment, leading to improved public health outcomes and reduced environmental degradation. The economic savings from these positive environmental impacts further add to the financial case for net metering.
A Win-Win for Property Owners and Communities
The compelling need for net metering in solar extends beyond the realm of individual energy consumption—it has the power to elevate property values and economically benefit entire communities. The statistics speak for themselves: homes with solar installations sell at a premium, the solar industry stimulates job creation, and communities that embrace solar power experience sustained economic growth.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, net metering emerges not just as a sustainable energy solution but as a catalyst for economic prosperity and community development. It is a win-win scenario where property owners reap the rewards of increased property values, and communities flourish through job creation and economic vitality. The time to embrace net metering is now—a decision that not only makes financial sense but also paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Why and How are Utility Companies Fighting it?
Utility companies have tried and failed to do away with interconnection. So what are they doing now? Well, all over the country, utility companies are adding fees and unnecessary charges to undermine net metering. This reduces the payback for homeowners and makes it difficult for solar installers to continue to create jobs for the communities they operate in. The utility benefits because they can now continue to own the means of production for energy production, and control how much homeowners have to pay. With reduced competition, the utility monopoly has no reason to improve.
Utilities make a big show of installing their own solar as well. This not only helps these companies rehab their image, it also makes homeowners think they may not need to go solar if their utility is already doing it. Utility companies going green would be a net positive for the environment, but why should a small handful of corporations take the lion’s share of the benefits? Through net metering, both property owners and small business owners will be able to benefit more directly, and have more equity and say over their own energy futures.
What Can We Do About It?
The number one way to get involved is to go solar! Don’t miss out on the current policies your state has to offer. By becoming a solar home owner, you are taking control of your energy future and improving your community, while supporting a local business. But what if you don’t currently own property? The second-best option is to support policy that empowers homeowners and local communities, not just utility companies. Net Metering is the fairest way to equally distribute the benefits of the new green economy, so even if you don’t own a solar home now, you should want to protect your personal freedoms and options. Don’t settle for the same old companies getting rich, demand that your state pass laws that benefit the most people and is truly in the public’s interest, not just the utility interest. And finally, stay informed! Subscribe to newsletters that cover utility news. These resources can ensure you don’t allow utilities to quietly pass policy that undermines your ability to secure your energy future. No more waiting on the sidelines, get involved!
