New Mexico’s governor reinstated solar tax credits for homes and businesses.
Study finds Vermont won’t reach solar goal at current trajectory
Montpelier, Vermont
A recent report by the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation found solar progress in the state has declined steadily over the last three years due to unfavorable solar policy. Vermont will not meet its goal of 20% solar by 2025 at the current installation rate.
First Kentucky city sets 100% renewable goal
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the first city in coal-rich Kentucky that has pledged to convert to 100% renewable energy by 2040. The city aims to power all municipal operations with renewable energy five years earlier.
Rocky Mountain Power wants to cut net-metering rates in Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Rocky Mountain Power proposed reducing net-metering rates for Utahns from 9.2 cents/kWh to as low as 1.56 cents/kWh, according to the Deseret News. A hearing on the new rates will take place in October. If approved, the change would only affect homeowners who install solar after the ruling.
Virginia Assembly advances 100% RPS bill
Richmond, Virginia
The Virginia House and Senate passed two versions of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) to create a 100% by 2050 RPS for the state. A study by the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Urban and Regional Analysis found the act could create 29,500 local solar jobs.
Idaho Power clarifies net-metering rules for existing solar customers
Boise, Idaho
The Idaho PUC determined that solar systems, not customers themselves, can retain existing solar rates if new rates are set, according to the Post Register. When residents move out of a solarized home, the new homeowner will still receive the same net-metering rates as before. The PUC rejected Idaho Power’s proposal to end net metering in 2019, but a solar study is underway that will inform the next net-metering battle.
Vote Solar says Massachusetts should increase SMART target to grow jobs
Boston, Massachusetts
After the Solar Foundation’s “2019 National Solar Jobs Census” noted that “policy uncertainty is still curtailing nonresidential development in Massachusetts,” Vote Solar repeated its call for the state to expand the SMART target by 3,200 MW. The group also asked the state legislature to pass a bill setting a goal of net-zero carbon pollution by 2050.
SMUD community solar approval threatens California new home solar mandate goals
Sacramento, California
The California Energy Commission approved the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s Neighborhood SolarShares Program, the first community solar program that can be used as a compliance alternative to rooftop solar installations for the new-home solar mandate. Solar advocates opposed it from the start, saying it doesn’t meet the 2019 Building Standards goal to keep new solar installations local.
Florida Power & Light may get special solar tax treatment under new bill
Tallahassee, Florida
A Florida House bill would exempt Florida Power & Light and other utilities from paying taxes on solar projects until all permits or approvals “required for commercial operation” have been approved, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Florida counties stand to lose tax income if the bill is passed.
New Mexico poised to reinstate solar tax credit
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The New Mexico House passed a bill with bipartisan support to reinstate a 10% tax credit toward the purchase of a solar system for homes and businesses with a $6,000 cap per taxpayer per year. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill into law.
New York governor wants to speed up solar permitting and construction
Albany, New York
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced a budget amendment that would create an Office of Renewable Energy Permitting to speed up solar permitting and construction. The act would also create an incentive program to advance “build-ready” solar projects installed on existing, underutilized sites.
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