Net metering is a popular program that allows rooftop solar panel owners to sell extra electricity they generate back to their utility to offset their bill. However, as I wrote recently, net metering customers are routinely overcompensated for their electricity. This makes net metering a costly program for an expensive technology that benefits the wealthy at everyone else’s expense.
So how do we fix this? The key is to level the playing field. This could be achieved by altering net metering customers’ compensation rates and opening retail electricity markets for competition.
For those wanting a closer look, I address this in more detail in a recent op-ed for Real Clear Energy.