South Carolina rejects Dominion’s punitive solar fee proposal in favor of net metering tariff

Last week, South Carolina Public Service Commissioner Tom Ervin motioned to accept a proposal that included several suggestions from the various non-utility parties, including the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCEA), regarding successor net metering tariffs. 

Dominion’s original proposal was prohibitively expensive for solar customers. It would have resulted in excessive fixed and variable non-avoidable monthly fees, which would drastically slow rooftop solar adoption in South Carolina. Today, the Commission unanimously rejected Dominion’s proposal and instead opted to adopt a net metering tariff built around several of the suggestions given by the joint parties.  

“This was the right decision for South Carolina’s ratepayers and the local solar industry,” stated Will Giese, Southeast regional director at SEIA. “Dominion Energy’s proposal would have added harmful, unnecessary charges for rooftop solar customers in South Carolina, and this decision rejects that proposal and implements the parties’ suggestions.

“The decision also honors the legislative intent of the 2019 Energy Freedom Act and will go a long way toward building a vibrant clean energy industry in the state. It ultimately gives South Carolinians the freedom to choose low-cost rooftop solar, while also helping to create jobs, reduce emissions, and preserve low electricity bills for all ratepayers. 

“We commend the commission for their decision and look forward to continuing to work with the commission and state leaders to understand the benefits of affordable, clean solar energy. The Commission has sent a clear message to the people of South Carolina that rooftop solar is key to the state’s energy future.” 

Tags: Dominion, SEIA, South Carolina