CPS energy proposed new incentives and fees in May to be considered by city council.
Since then they have revised both fees they proposed downward. A one-time install fee went from $450 to $225 and the $1 per kilowatt charge went to $2.50 per 5 kilowatt hours. The utility also plans to give out $20 million in rebates to new solar.
CPS Energy told council yesterday that both fees were necessary to continue funding debt incurred for transmission lines, the cost of which the utility says is falling primarily on non-solar users.
The solar power community is not happy though. Solar San Antonio asked the city council to reject the new fees, arguing the rate structure could disincentivize solar.
Reportedly some council members were receptive to that message when they asked CPS for more time to make the decision.
Guests:
- Lisa Lewis, vice-president of corporate communications and media relations for CPS Energy
- Lanny Sinkin, executive director for Solar San Antonio
*This is the first segment in the June 12 edition of The Source, which airs at 3 p.m. on KSTX 89.1 FM. Audio from this show will be posted by 5:30 p.m.
