Calif. regulators adopt $2.9 bln solar power plan
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – The California Public Utilities
Commission on Thursday approved a $2.9 billion program to make
California one of the world’s largest producers of solar power.
The “California Solar Initiative,” backed by Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger, aims to add 3,000 megawatts of solar energy
over 11 years through the installation of 1 million rooftop
solar energy systems on homes, businesses, farms, schools and
public buildings.
That amount of electricity would be equivalent to about six
new power stations.
The measure was approved on a 3-to-1 vote with one
commissioner recusing himself because of a possible conflict of
interest.
Michael Peevey, president of the commission, said the
effort “is designed to create a sustainable solar industry” and
to demonstrate California’s leadership in moving to reduce
dependence on fossil fuels to produce energy.
If the program is fully implemented, California would
become the world’s third-largest solar generator behind Japan
and Germany. The state currently has about 100 megawatts of
solar electricity.
The program will offer rebates for adding solar systems and
is expected to give a big boost to manufacturers of solar power
generating cells and panels.
The money for the program will come from existing funds
already earmarked for solar energy and gas and electric utility
rates.
The average residential utility bill would go up by 65
cents a month, according to Environment California, a solar
power supporter.
Solar spending could save California utility customers an
estimated $9 billion from a reduced need to build new power
plants and purchase electricity supplies during high demand
days in the summer, according to a CPUC report.
Schwarzenegger pushed a solar energy bill in the state
legislature last year, but it stalled amid policy disputes and
amendments.
The Republican governor’s energy goals call for making
renewable energy like solar and wind power 20 percent of
California’s electricity resources by 2017.