Duke Energy has been granted approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission to revise the “net metering” regulations for rooftop solar payments in North Carolina, which have been in effect since 2000. Customers whose solar panels generate more electricity than they immediately require receive “credits” on their bills for the amount of the excess energy production. Under Duke’s proposal, the net metering process will be overhauled between January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2027. The new system allows for credits to be provided to customers moving forward but they will be at a lower rate. The main driving force behind these legislative reforms is the growing allure of solar as an investment and an answer to the climate crisis. Supporting their traditional business models is a challenge for utilities nationally, including Duke Energy, if a large portion of the population is going solar. So they are trying to slow down rooftop solar adoption. The solar industry was adamant about establishing consumer protections for residents of North Carolina in negotiations with Duke Energy. According to the NCUC’s order, which was delivered on March 23, 2023, Duke must develop an online calculator within 60 days after that date. For systems created for a given site, the calculator will give an exact estimate of the electrical and financial return. According this, now is the time to go solar in North Carolina. Homeowners have an opportunity to protect themselves from future rate adjustments while reaping the benefits of solar.
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It is important that carbon credit schemes also benefit local communities.
The World Meteorological Organisation has stated that 193 countries have given unanimous backing to a scheme to monitor global greenhouse...
