Legislators Push for Viable Path Forward on Community Solar After Implementation Concerns

• Anthony Reyes
• (916) 319-2078
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Sacramento, CA - Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Chair Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Orange) and Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) yesterday convened an oversight hearing examining the implementation of Assembly Bill 2316 (Ward), legislation intended to establish a cost-effective community solar program so all Californians, particularly those unable to install rooftop systems, can benefit from distributed clean energy.

The hearing was held as part of Speaker Robert Rivas' newly launched Outcomes Review project, a first-of-its-kind legislative oversight effort focused on ensuring enacted laws are implemented effectively and deliver their intended benefits.

"Yesterday's hearing is accountability in action - and I'm grateful for Assemblymember Chris Ward's steadfast leadership on oversight and transparency," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas.

"I authored AB 2316 because a successful community solar and storage program has incredible potential to reduce rates across the board, reduce net peak demand, avoid long-term transmission investment, and displace expensive gas generation," said Assemblymember Christopher Ward. "However, I am extremely frustrated with the CPUCs rejection of its legislative intent, and instead adopted a wholly unviable program. My hope is that I can work with the CPUC, along with my colleagues in the legislature, to find an appropriate path forward that achieves the goal of the original bill."

During the hearing, committee members raised concerns about the lack of a viable community solar program more than three years after AB 2316's passage, including why the California Public Utilities Commission rejected a widely supported Net Value Billing Tariff backed by industry, labor, environmental organizations, and ratepayer advocates in favor of a proposal submitted after the deadline.

"Despite the clear directives in AB 2316, the CPUC embraced a non-viable, noncompliant, and incomplete community renewable energy program that was designed to fail and perhaps never even meant to launch," said Matt Freedman, Staff Attorney, Utility Reform Network (TURN)

"This is a proven program that delivers real savings to ratepayers, creates good-paying jobs, reduces the need for costly transmission infrastructure, lowers emissions, and strengthens grid reliability," said Derek Chernow, Executive Director of Californians for Local, Affordable Solar and Storage (CLASS). "We've seen community solar succeed in states across the country, yet California continues to fall behind, failing renters and all ratepayers in the state. We appreciate Assemblymember Ward's leadership to address these barriers and ensure Californians can benefit from a strong, effective community solar program."

Following the hearing, legislators will continue working with the CPUC and stakeholders to address implementation issues and refine the proposed program ahead of its anticipated adoption later this year.