While I wish success for Salt Lake Tribune writer Tim Fitzpatrick in his new role, being funded by Rocky Mountain Power is like saying, “Help us put out the fire we started,” and continuing to light new ones. RMP and especially individual members of the Public Service Commission need to be sued and held legally accountable for the demise of net-metering and the subsequent devaluation of the power generated by rooftop solar.
New solar installations peaked at 12,408 in 2017 but decreased to only 3,540 in 2019. Private power generation has been killed.
Utah originally valued independence, but our lawmakers and commissioners do not serve the public interest. When disasters like earthquakes happen, distributed power production minimizes the breadth of power outages.
The best way for RMP and the PSC to show they truly care about climate change is to reinstate net-metering. Distributed power generation of rooftop solar benefits everyone and would accelerate our adoption of renewable energy, reduce its cost, and significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Rooftop solar can produce enough electricity for a home and EVs. I have produced 8000 uncompensated kwh more than I have consumed since 2017 and drive my EV and PHEV (spent $10 for gas last year) for free.
Scot Morgan, Salt Lake City
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