Las Vegas has long been recognized as a world leader in sustainability, and we want to make sure it stays that way.
Our community has won prestigious national and international awards for our green outlook, not to mention our proven track record in areas such as water conservation and renewable energy. However, recent rulings by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada send mixed messages to the world, because those decisions hurt everyone living here — those who have invested in solar and those who have not. In fact, a recent independent study commissioned by the PUC shows customers with solar provide a net benefit of $36 million to customers who do not have solar. But all this changed with the commission’s decision on net metering rates in December, as well as the most recent decision to continue with a phased-in rate hike for solar customers.
This is why the city is proposing a solution of its own, introducing an ordinance that will keep solar energy viable. If passed, the program would allow homeowners and businesses to participate in an Energy Improvement District. Similar to a special improvement district, financing would be available so that those participating can avoid up-front costs and pay for the investment over a 20-year period, which will hold costs down. Just as important, this investment would stay with the property and not be lost should the homeowner or business move. Best yet, those participating will not be subsidized by those who do not join the program.
This needs to happen. Solar installations in the city of Las Vegas hit a high mark of more than 3,700 in 2015, and there have been more than 5,000 since 2009. I am thrilled that about half of those were in my ward — Ward 6.
Sadly, all this has now changed. The PUC rulings have left those who invested in solar feeling betrayed. Basic monthly charges are projected to jump 200 percent over the next 12 years and reduce the value of solar energy produced by 75 percent. Worse yet, thousands of jobs are being lost because of this decision as people now shy away from solar. All this is unacceptable.
My hope was that the PUC would rethink its initial ruling and at least not harm those who invested in solar prior to the net metering decision. Commissioners’ latest ruling on Feb. 12 fell short on this, and instead just phases in the rate hike over 12 years. So in the meantime, the city will do its part to encourage solar energy once again. In addition, I support forming an independent committee of energy experts to advise the city on developing a comprehensive energy strategy that will keep us among the world’s leading sustainable cities.
We have come a long way as a city, but we are now at a crossroads. We need to keep sustainability the obvious choice for our residents and businesses.
By Steven D. Ross
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