PetersenDean
On Jan. 18, the Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) released its updated Net Metering and Interconnection Rules. The new rules expand the net-metering program, improve total compensation rates for solar customers and prioritize solar adoption for low-to-moderate income (LMI) customers.
The net-metering compensation remains set at 2.5 cents/kWh, but now allows an unlimited number of low-income customers who are at or below 250% of the federal poverty line to receive an additional 2 cents/kWh for going solar.
The commission also put in place a new upfront rebate to remove more barriers to solar adoption. Each investor-owned utility must offer a one-time $3,000.00 upfront cash rebate to any retail residential customer purchasing a renewable distributed energy project sized between 3 kW and 6 kW and to be used, at least in part, for self-supply.
As far as larger-scale solar, the commission notes in the order that it intends to establish a separate rulemaking proceeding to jumpstart the state’s community solar market. It also initiates a program to help schools go solar through PPAs and other structures.
“We commend the Mississippi Public Service Commission for updating its net metering rules and expanding solar access in Mississippi. The net metering program now covers Mississippi households that are 250% of the federal poverty line and below, which will help even more Mississippians experience the cost-saving benefits of solar energy,” said Will Giese, Southeast regional director for SEIA, in a statement. “While we are disappointed that the Public Service Commission did not offer the full retail rate for net metering, the order will move Mississippi’s solar policy forward, and SEIA will continue to advocate for straightforward and smart polices that grow the solar industry.”
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