Pro-solar net metering petition qualifies for Nov 8 ballot in Nevada

Total of 77,995 valid signatures have been gathered in support of a referendum petition that aims to overturn the rates and charges for Nevada solar net metering customers approved in December 2015.

The Bring Back Solar Alliance’s veto referendum needed 55,236 signatures to qualify for the statewide ballot on November 8, 2016. The organiation, backed by SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY), said in June it had submitted the signatures of over 115,000 Nevadans for the referendum. Its goal is to return to the net metering rules in effect in 2015.

Before Christmas 2015, the Nevada Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved, based on recommendations by utility NV Energy, a new scheme for net metering, lifting the utility service charge for small solar owners and reducing the credits paid to them for power sent to the grid. The changes will occur in phases over 12 years.

According to a recent report by the Las Vegas Sun, NV Energy is contesting the ballot measure in court. The Nevada Supreme Court is expected to rule on its validity this summer.

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