Regulatory and ratemaking approaches to mitigate financial impacts of net-metered PV on utilities and ratepayers

摘要: The financial interests of U.S. utilities are poorly aligned with customer-sited solar photovoltaics (PV) under traditional regulation. Customer-sited PV, especially a net-metering arrangement, may result in revenue erosion and lost earnings opportunities for utility shareholders as well increases average retail rates ratepayers. Regulators considering alternative regulatory ratemaking approaches to mitigate these impacts. We performed scoping analysis using model quantify the efficacy mitigation reducing impacts PV on find that can be mitigated through various incremental changes business models, though varies considerably depending design particular circumstances. Based this analysis, we discuss tradeoffs policymakers should consider, which ultimately might need resolved within broader policy contexts.