South Carolina PSC to hold public hearing on Duke Energy’s Solar Choice metering proposal

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) has scheduled a virtual public hearing in response to requests by Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) and Duke Energy Progress (DEP) for approval of the proposed Solar Choice net-metering riders and rate schedules.

The virtual public hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2021, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Those who wish to testify before the PSCSC regarding the proposal can do so at this hearing, but must notify the PSCSC of their intent to testify.

If you want to speak, you’ll need to register by emailing communications@psc.sc.gov or calling (803) 896-1972 before 4:45 p.m. on April 20.
When you call or email, you’ll need to provide your name, the telephone number you want the Commission to call, and your physical address.
On the day of the hearing, a representative of the Commission will call you when it’s your turn to speak. You’ll be called in the order in which you signed up.

Once you’re on the line, the representative will connect you to the Commission’s call-in line, at which point you’ll pause to be sworn in and to give the court reporter your name, location and status as a Duke customer. Once you’ve been sworn in, you can speak for up to three minutes and share your opinions with the Commission.

In September, DEC and DEP reached an agreement with leading solar installers, environmental groups and renewable energy advocates that, if approved by the PSCSC, will create long-term stability for the residential solar industry in South Carolina.

The proposed plan — Solar Choice net metering — could be the next generation of net energy metering for the Carolinas, a billing process that credits small customers with rooftop solar arrays for excess electricity they generate and provide to Duke Energy via the grid.

The agreement builds on the goals of the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act (Act 62). The 2019 legislation is the result of a collaborative and bipartisan effort to develop the next steps for energy policy in South Carolina that support the state’s continued commitment to solar energy development.

News item from Duke Energy

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/03/south-carolina-psc-to-hold-public-hearing-on-duke-energys-solar-choice-metering-proposal/