First I read https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/michigan-passes-bills-to-boost-renewables-mandate-retain-net-metering and got really excited, then I read a more detailed article by David Eggert, Associated Press, online at: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Energy-legislation-appears-to-be-in-reach-on-10797759.php which was also mirrored by the Daily Telegram the past Friday (12/16/2016), In this article, the details of a proposed change in net-metering of residential and business renewable energy producers were provided as such:
"— not apply — for now — a "grid" charge to new customers participating in a net metering program, instead requiring a study to determine an appropriate fee. These are residents and businesses with their own wind turbines, solar panels or other types of renewable sources that reduce their electric bills."
This is good news for now - but an appropriate fee may come at any time and with much less public notice. I fear they (DTE, Consumers and their lobbyists) will try to slip this in as sneaky as the registration penalty for environmentally conscious drivers of electric and hybrid cars that just came in the mail. I will have to pay $60 more a year because my Prius uses less fuel and therefore I would not be paying my fair share on the improvements of Michigan streets and roads. A crooked logic that got the environmental movements divided and was introduced in a very sneaky - and delayed way to reduce resistance to almost nonexistent levels.
"— not apply — for now — a "grid" charge to new customers participating in a net metering program, instead requiring a study to determine an appropriate fee. These are residents and businesses with their own wind turbines, solar panels or other types of renewable sources that reduce their electric bills."
This is good news for now - but an appropriate fee may come at any time and with much less public notice. I fear they (DTE, Consumers and their lobbyists) will try to slip this in as sneaky as the registration penalty for environmentally conscious drivers of electric and hybrid cars that just came in the mail. I will have to pay $60 more a year because my Prius uses less fuel and therefore I would not be paying my fair share on the improvements of Michigan streets and roads. A crooked logic that got the environmental movements divided and was introduced in a very sneaky - and delayed way to reduce resistance to almost nonexistent levels.
