Statement from ACE NY on Public Service Commission Decision to Raise Central Hudson Net Metering Limit

Clean Energy Advocates Encourage Increased Limits and Monitoring for All Utilities

ALBANY, NY (10/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Following today's decision by the New York State Public Service Commission to triple the net metering limit for solar and other net-metered technologies in Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation's (Central Hudson) service territory, Carol E. Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), issued the following statement:

"We commend the Commission for acknowledging the widespread benefits of clean energy and recognizing that net metering is an essential policy for enabling customers to install on-site renewable energy systems. Upon initially reaching its net metering limit, Central Hudson informed installers and customers that it would not provide net metering for any new systems, but thanks to the advocacy efforts of ACE NY's members and supporters, including US Senator Charles Schumer and other state leaders, Central Hudson agreed to continue its net metering program while waiting for the Commission's formal decision."

"Now that Central Hudson's increased limit is official, we hope the Commission will proceed quickly and decisively in its review of the net metering caps of the other major utilities, especially in light of the goals of the NY-Sun Initiative and the Renewable Portfolio Standard, as well as the growing demand for net metering of other eligible technologies like micro-hydroelectric power and fuel cells. Both ACE NY and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority asked that the limits be raised – if not eliminated entirely – for all utilities. We also believe it is imperative that the Department of Public Service begin monitoring the utilities' rate of interconnection for net-metered systems to avoid any adverse impact on installers or customers when limits are close to being reached in the future."

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About Alliance for Clean Energy New York

Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State, and is New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. www.aceny.org