The Colorado Public Utilities Commission recently voted to set up a special proceeding to evaluate the costs and benefits of rooftop solar units.
Xcel Energy, the state's largest utility, had included the rooftop-solar question in its renewable-energy compliance plan. For months, solar-energy advocates have pressed for a separate review.
The commission accepted a motion from the Colorado Energy Office for the separate review of rooftop solar and its "net-metering credit."
"The decision opens the way for a more transparent and broader discussion," energy office spokeswoman Denise Stepto said.
Colorado follows California and Arizona in setting up separate proceedings to determine the value of rooftop solar. The state energy office made the motion, arguing it would allow for more data and more public participation.
"This means we can have a meaningful discussion about the value of rooftop solar," said Edward Stern, executive director of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association.
Read more: Rooftop solar credit will have its own day before the Colorado PUC - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_25020653/rooftop-solar-credit-will-have-its-own-day#ixzz2t2hNZywS
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