Solar Energy Is Focus Of Energy-Producing Housing Colony

Edison Electric Institute, an industry group representing investor-owned utilities, has taken the net metering debate – which pits utilities against the residential solar industry – to the airwaves.

Residential solar installations have grown rapidly over the past few years. “Arguably the most severe threat to the traditional utility business model is the advent of rooftop solar systems, which could hypothetically relegate them to a backup power option,” writes  at Utility Dive.

A new EEI commercial – which aired during a primetime NFL broadcast – takes aim at net metering policies, which allow customers who generate more electricity than they need to sell their surplus back to the grid at the prevailing retail rate, cutting into utilities’ earnings.

“Everyone uses the electric grid,” says a woman in what looks like a suburban home.

“But current policies shift the cost of maintaining the grid from solar homes to non-solar homes. I shouldn’t have to pay for my neighbor’s solar.”

“A secure, reliable electric grid benefits all of us. Everyone who uses the grid should help pay for it.”