Mississippi’s two state-regulated energy firms are actually pushing again in opposition to the Public Service Fee’s new rule increasing incentives for self-generated energy.
The PSC accepted the brand new rule on self-generation, just like internet metering in different states, in July. The replace expanded reimbursement charges for low-income clients and created a $3,500 rebate for owners and small companies seeking to set up their very own renewable vitality system, corresponding to rooftop photo voltaic panels. The rule additionally provides incentives for public faculties wanting to make use of photo voltaic panels.
However final month, Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Energy each filed motions with the PSC to rethink these modifications. The ability firms each query whether or not the fee even has the authority to create such incentives.
The PSC granted a brand new listening to, set for Sept. 27.
Utility firms like Entergy and Mississippi Energy have lengthy argued that increasing self-generation creates added prices for non-participating clients. Clear vitality advocates say these firms simply need to monopolize energy distribution, and level to the long-term advantages of rising the renewable vitality business within the state.
Northern District Commissioner Brandon Presley stated his aim is to discover a compromise earlier than subsequent week’s rehearing and keep away from litigation, which he stated might take two to a few years and would pause Mississippi’s self-generation applications.
“It might be a travesty to be hung up in court docket for 2 to a few years, and the results of that attraction course of just isn’t one residential or Photo voltaic-for-Colleges mission will get carried out,” Presley stated.
