Supporting Solar

It is difficult to understand why the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) would choose to phase out “net metering,” a billing mechanism that allows solar customers to receive credit for any excess electricity they generate. Thanks to Representative Seth Berry, LD 1373, An Act to Protect and Expand Access to Solar Power in Maine, would preserve net metering and reestablish an effective solar rebate program.

A recent report from The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health concluded that it is essential to “accelerate the inevitable transition to clean renewable energy.” Continued reliance on coal, oil, and gas is adversely impacting the air we breathe. Deadly heat waves are becoming more commonplace. Worsening air pollution is exacerbating asthma and other chronic respiratory problems. Heavier rainfall is causing record floods, endangering life and spreading infectious diseases. Water scarcity, food shortages, and rising sea levels could jeopardize health on a global scale by the end of the century.

Solar energy does not pollute or heat up the atmosphere, it provides jobs, and it fosters energy independence. LD 1373 aims to expedite solar investment in Maine through both net metering and solar rebates. In addition, the rebate program is structured to reduce up front costs for low to moderate-income citizens and small businesses.

Contrary to the perception that net metering may result in lost revenue for utilities, solar energy generates power during daylight hours, generally the time of peak demand, allowing utilities to better manage their peak electricity loads. Furthermore, by encouraging generation near the point of consumption, net metering reduces the strain on distribution systems.

As a physician I encourage Maine legislators to support this significant bill. It is an essential step toward reducing greenhouse gases, protecting health, expanding solar opportunities to more Mainers, and bolstering the economy.

Paul Perkins,
Bath