Colorado Springs City Council Rejects Proposal to Charge Solar Customers More
Colorado Springs City Council informally voted 5-4 to kill a proposal that would increase monthly bills for solar customers.
The proposal was part of a new Energy Wise program introduced by Colorado Springs Utilities in October, which charges normal grid electric users more for power used during peak hours of 5-9 p.m.
Many solar customers said they spent tens of thousands of dollars installing solar panels, and the change would renege on incentives from the past.
According to Tristen Gearheart, CFO of Colorado Springs Utilities, solar users generate most of their energy during morning or early afternoon hours when demand for energy is lower and supply is higher, making energy cheaper during these hours.
Hundreds of Colorado Springs residents attended a hearing on the proposal, with many expressing opposition to the change.
Author's summary: City council rejects solar fee hike proposal.