So, we were talking with the Task force on DERs and Net Metering, preceding their report on recommendations for updating this 15-year-old statute.
My message is this:
We must start making adjustments to the statutes now to allow for new technology, Virtual Power Plants, TOU rates etc.
We need ground rules that not only ensure consumer protections, but that allow stability and predictability for the end user.
It seems that many of the smaller co-ops and municipal utilities are having a difficult time implementing the tools and technologies that will be required. However, just like any investment a utility would make in new production capacity, there's an opportunity to invest in and even incentivize the technology needed to take advantage of DER & storage technology that their customers are investing their own money on, and still be profitable!
The people who are installing such systems coincidentally, have the ability now to go completely off grid. Unless they are given a better reason to stay connected (as a very valuable asset) to that grid, they won't even be paying a meter fee soon.
If the intermittency of solar alone is the Crux of the problem for utility planning, then require and incentivize a battery. The expectation then would be that the utility also invests in the infrastructure required to utilize that resource.
The idea is that by implementing this infrastructure, the utility will be able to flatten out demand curves and to be more efficient for their customers and continue to make lots of money.
There are lots more facets to cover here, but the post is starting to get long..
If you're still reading, I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions or opinions on these issues!
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Attention Solar Industry professionals: If you are doing business in any way with the solar industry in the great state of Missouri, I implore you to join us at the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA) Annual Summit next month! We are hosting the event this year at Camden on the Lake Resort! It's going to be a really great event and networking opportunity as usual, and my farewell to the board (for now). We have big plans for this state, and need the support of the entire community to make it happen.
Read below for more!
I just returned home after attending a hearing in Jeff City with the Task Force on Distributed Energy Resources and Net Metering. I believe that my testimony, as well as the testimony from MOSEIA members and others, was well received. It really is rewarding to see how far the organization has come in recent years, and to have the opportunity to be a part of legislative action on behalf of the industry.
After serving the last two years as president of the organization, I am looking forward to passing the torch to my successor, who I am confident will continue to grow the organization and lead with great success. If you want to hear more about what we are working on, this is your chance. Hope to see you there!
![Registration is live!]()
Registration is live!
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