Colorado Springs City Council Rejects Proposal to Charge Solar Customers More
Colorado Springs residents gathered at city hall to voice their opinions on 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 exempt from this change, but the utility company sought to "level the field". Tristen Gearheart, CFO of Colorado Springs Utilities, explained that solar users generate most of their energy during morning or early afternoon hours when demand is lower and supply is higher, making energy cheaper during these hours.
- Hundreds of residents attended the hearing
- Nine hours of testimony were given by Colorado Springs Utilities, pro-solar organizations, and the public
- City council informally voted 5-4 to kill the proposal
Many solar customers spent tens of thousands of dollars installing solar panels and felt the change would renege on past incentives.
Author's summary: City council rejects proposal to charge solar customers more for peak hour usage.