HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 126

(By Delegate Sumner)




Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the consequences of net metering tariff policy as practiced by the Public Service Commission on solar energy producers.

Whereas, Solar energy is a means of electrical production which lowers the emissions associated with electrical production; and
Whereas, Development of a robust and diverse portfolio of electric-generating capacity is needed for West Virginia to continue its success in attracting new businesses and jobs; and
Whereas, It is in the public interest for the state to encourage the construction of alternative and renewable energy resource facilities that increase the capacity to provide for current and anticipated electric energy demand at a reasonable price; and
Whereas, It is in the interest of the state to reduce as many barriers to entry into production of solar energy as is possible; and
Whereas, These barriers include a net metering tariff fee, requiring solar energy producers to pay for the installation of a meter from the power company to measure the power they produce for vending; and
Whereas, This meter is not the property of the solar energy producer but remains the property of the power company; and
Whereas, The Public Service Commission has approved these net metering tariff fees without giving this body any guidance upon whether these fees represent a barrier to entry to solar power producers; and
Whereas, The impact of these net metering tariff fees upon solar power production is a sound topic of study; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the consequences of net metering tariff policy as practiced by the Public Service Commission on solar energy producers; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.