CPUC Lifts Postponement on Solar Incentive Reservations for Government/ Non-Profit

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has issued a ruling directing the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program administrators, including Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and the California Center for Sustainable Energy, to resume processing all applications for solar projects, including those performance-based incentive (PBI) and government/non-profit projects held in queue during a temporary postponement ordered last month. Interested parties should submit applications as soon as possible.

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Quote startThe Commission's actions demonstrate that CSI funding for public agency solar projects should not be taken for granted and that such funding may be placed on hold by the Commission at any time. Given that solar photovoltaic panel prices have been dropping and CSI rate levels continue to be somewhat high, now is an opportune time for public agencies to finance and build a solar project.Quote end

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) August 18, 2010

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has issued a ruling directing the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program administrators, including Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and the California Center for Sustainable Energy, to resume processing all applications for solar projects, including those performance-based incentive (PBI) and government/non-profit projects held in queue during a temporary postponement ordered last month.

The California Solar Initiative (CSI) funds solar energy systems on existing homes and existing or new commercial, agricultural, government and non-profit buildings for customers.

Comments on last month's postponement ruling raised concerns about the impact on solar market development, prompting the CPUC to reinstate the processing of applications.

"The Commission's temporary moratorium underscores the importance of submitting an application to reserve CSI rebate funds as soon as possible if a public agency is interested in constructing a solar project," said Sophie Akins, a partner with Best Best & Krieger in San Diego. "The Commission's actions demonstrate that CSI funding for public agency solar projects should not be taken for granted and that such funding may be placed on hold by the Commission at any time. Given that solar photovoltaic panel prices have been dropping and CSI rate levels continue to be somewhat high, now is an opportune time for public agencies to finance and build a solar project."

No immediate changes have been made to the CSI program at this point, but the CPUC will continue to consider proposed modifications.
For more information about the CSI program, visit http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/csi/index.php.

Best Best & Krieger is a full-service law firm catering to public agency and private clients that focuses on environmental, business, education and municipal law. With nearly 200 attorneys, the firm has offices in Indian Wells, Irvine, Los Angeles, Ontario, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego and Walnut Creek. For more information, visit http://www.bbklaw.com.

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