HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210305_LettertoNewsom_NetMeteringCity of San Luis Obispo, Office of the City Council, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3249, 805.781.7114, slocity.org
March 5, 2021
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
1303 10th Street, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 558-3160
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Docket #: R.20-08-020
Fax: (415) 703-1758
Dear Governor Newsom:
As the mayor of City of San Luis Obispo, I am writing to you to ask for your support in protecting
rooftop solar in California.
California is a leader in adopting solar energy with over a million consumers generating their own
renewable energy onsite. Adoption of onsite solar energy is not only a tool to reduce energy bills for
homeowners, renters and businesses, but also a risk management tool against climate change. Rooftop
solar systems not only reduce strain on the state’s electricity grid but add much needed energy year-
round, especially during evermore frequent extreme heat events.
There is one policy that is vital to that investment: net energy metering. Net energy metering is a
program that compensates consumers for any excess electricity exported to the grid and shared with
nearby neighbors. Net metering has helped fuel the growth of solar across the state, including in my
community. As we work to reduce fossil fuel use through electrification efforts, it is imperative that
we simultaneously give consumers tools to lower their energy bills and meet increased electricity use
onsite wherever possible. We should not be taking clean energy solutions away from people, we should
be making it easier and more affordable to go solar.
Again, I ask you to protect this critical policy. We are concerned that drastic changes to the state’s Net
Energy Metering program by the Public Utilities Commission could negatively affect consumers and
California’s clean energy growth. As we emerge from the economic and public health crises caused
by COVID-19, we urge you to maintain the benefits of solar energy for all Californians.
Sincerely,
Heidi Harmon
Mayor
City of San Luis Obispo
CC: Members, City of San Luis Obispo City Council