PSC rules against power company; allows public to speak at solar energy hearing
A power company’s effort to keep dozens of people from speaking at a hearing about higher solar energy costs failed Monday when the S.C. Public Service Commission refused the company’s request.
The PSC ‘s decision allows those signed up to speak at Tuesday’s 9 a.m. hearing on extra solar costs to do so. The number of people seeking to address the PSC swelled over the weekend, increasing from about 175 late last week to 239 by Monday.
Dominion Energy, a Virginia-headquartered electric utility, had sought to prevent about 36 people from speaking at the hearing, arguing that they were not customers. After discussing the matter Monday morning, the PSC discounted the utility’s argument.
The company is proposing extra fees for people with rooftop solar panels. Critics say the charges will negate savings solar provides on monthly power bills, as well as chill the industry in South Carolina.
The power company says non solar customers are subsidizing solar customers, a point disputed by solar boosters. The PSC expects to rule on the higher charges next month.
This story was originally published March 22, 2021 at 12:32 PM.
