Net Metering - South Carolina

News releases from all over the country keep telling us there is a renewable energy revolution going on in the US. There are daily stories in the newspaper, TV, and on the internet about the Department of Energy encouraging builders to build zero-energy-homes. How the developments sell out as fast as they build them, even in a down housing market. The DOE will even give you a tax credit if you do. Stories about new manufacturing, businesses, and high paying jobs being created all achieved with the simple passing of “Net Metering” rules.

None of these stories come from South Carolina, WHY you ask?

The management at Santee Cooper is stopping the renewable energy revolution in South Carolina by not allowing true “Net Metering”. We are getting the short end of the stick!

Santee Cooper’s well funded public relations department just keeps the propaganda flowing by telling us that their “Net Billing” program is just like “Net Metering”. The truth is “Net Billing” is nowhere like “Net Metering”.

▪ They forgot to tell you that only 10 people are allowed to join in the Santee Cooper “Net Billing” program.
▪ That you have to change your billing rate to a time of use rate.
▪ That it is possible that after you spend your money to install a solar system that it is only a trial program.
▪ That the program could change at the next board meeting.
▪ That solar systems will hurt their linemen.
▪ And the real propaganda, Lonnie Carter, Santee Cooper’s chief executive officer said “We are being more generous than some of the other utilities on this,” Carter said. “I think we’ve taken every step we can within reason to encourage this to happen.”

The reality is Mr. Carter will not allow Santee Cooper to offer true net metering. What makes this even harder to understand about true net metering, as advocated by the Department of Energy, Santee Cooper won’t have to create any debt, buy any solar panels, install anything, maintain anything, or sell any bonds to finance the program. Net metering just allows us to do that.

Please understand, South Carolina Public Service Authority is only controlled by the Governor and the Legislators, Santee Cooper can only be forced to allow true “Net Metering” by them. Only then converting your dwelling to a solar home in effect gives you the ability to become your own power company. And through a true net-metering program any excess power your home generates can be sold back to your local utility at the retail rate. This takes peak load off the utility in the middle of the day. This, along with the tax incentives offered by the US Government for investing in alternative energy, make it economically feasible for the first time in history to convert your home to a solar powered home.

Owning a solar home and being self sufficient can give you a great feeling of accomplishment knowing that you are not contributing to more coal pollutants in the air or mercury in the water. You no longer have to worry about power outages on the grid whether from storms or system outages. With your new solar powered home comes a new awareness of just how much electricity you are consuming and how much you have wasted in the past. You will never again turn on a light switch without giving it a second thought. In other words you will become a more responsible user of energy.

With the increased efficiency in solar technologies, the move to a reliance on solar power and alternative energy is gaining mass appeal everywhere except South Carolina. Santee Cooper does not want you to know that the initial cost of installing a solar power system in your home may be lower than many years of outrageous electrical bills, thanks to the fact that it’s actually cheaper than burning coal. Take the time to figure out what is really happening in the world of solar energy so you can make some informed choices and demand that Santee Cooper allow true “Net Metering”.

Nanosolar is just one of many companies that are trying to minimize long-term electric bills. They have created coatings as thin as a layer of paint and can transfer sunlight into power quite efficiently. Imagine the possibilities, from solar coated shingles to solar lined windows making your home a cleaner and safer environment to live in.

Isn’t equity in your house better than paying Santee Cooper for coal?

Links to the outside world!
Net Metering in New Jersey
Even in Wyoming you can be completely off the grid…
PUC adopts low-income solar incentive program
Zero-energy home initiative approved
Solar powered homes selling quickly

Isn’t this time to ask your Governor and your Legislators “Why is the State of South Carolina stopping the energy revolution!”