Last year, the South Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Energy Freedom Act after stakeholders from all over South Carolina met to provide utility customers with more energy options, eliminating metering limits of the roof solar grid.
The decision on net metering, the rate customers receive for solar energy they send back to the grid, has been postponed until June 2021, when the Public Service Commission will decide on the new solar roof policy for South Carolina .
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I congratulate Duke Energy, Sunrun, Vote Solar and other stakeholders in the energy sector for reaching a compromise last month that benefits all taxpayers. While others continue to attack solar energy, Duke Energy is setting a strong example.
Solar Choice Net Metering, as the proposed deal is dubbed, would help Duke Energy respond to periods of dramatic energy demand, while encouraging more solar energy on roofs in its territory. Less dramatic demand means future cost savings for taxpayers across Duke. More solar energy on the roof means more energy options. This settlement combines solar roof panels with smart thermostats – an innovative and creative solution to South Carolina’s energy challenges.
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Solar Choice Net Metering is so creative that it is already being touted as a model for other states where solar and utility companies have struggled for years. South Carolina is leading the way nationally due to the spirit of commitment and hard work of our citizens. I look forward to seeing this innovative program being made available in our state very soon.
Rep. Jason Elliott
The writer, a Republican from Greenville, represents District 22 in the South Carolina House of Representatives.