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Improve Our Net Metering Law

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) strongly urges the state legislature to pass S8059 (Morahan)/ A9902 (Englebright).

Net metering is the essential regulatory infrastructure needed to ensure the widespread adoption of renewable distributed generation systems and to reduce our dependence on dirty and increasingly expensive fossil fuel-based electricity generation. An expansion of clean, distributed generation will create jobs throughout the state, reduce electricity demand at peak periods, and contribute greatly to our battle against climate change.

This legislation would significantly expand and improve New York's overly restrictive net metering law and lay the foundation for a comprehensive renewable energy strategy. Net metering allows consumers who install renewable energy generation systems (such as solar or wind power) on their homes or businesses to transfer excess energy to back to the utility grid. Consumers can then access those credits when their homes are not generating enough energy on site to meet their needs.

This system allows individuals and businesses to utilize distributed generation systems while remaining connected to the regular electric grid. It also provides a vehicle for consumers to realize the savings of installing renewable generation systems at their homes and businesses. Unfortunately, New York State has one of the most restrictive net metering policies in the United States.

Current law in New York limits systems to 10 kW of generating capacity for solar power. This restriction makes it difficult for consumers to install large solar systems. Furthermore, New York is one of only two states to limit its net metering program to residential and agricultural locations. New York is missing a tremendous opportunity to expand the use of renewable energy by preventing commercial customers from net metering.

S8059/A9902 would make wind and fuel cell generating systems eligible for net metering and would increase the maximum system size for all eligible technologies to 2MW. Additionally, the bill would allow commercial customers to net meter. The legislation would bring New York State in line with neighboring states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and finally create the regulatory framework for widespread adoption of solar power and other clean generation technologies.

Your message will be sent to each of the following targets:

Assemblymember James N. Tedisco
Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill
Assemblymember Sheldon Silver
Assemblymember Steven C. Englebright
Assemblymember Tom O'Mara
Senator George D. Maziarz
Senator Kevin S. Parker
Senator Malcolm A. Smith
Senator Roy J. McDonald
Senator Thomas P. Morahan
Your State Representative
Your State Senator

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