Appalachian Power wants to discourage rooftop solar. Join us for Solar Office Hours to learn more and speak up!

Are you interested in solar panels for your rooftop? Do you already have them? Do you think more homes and businesses should have solar?

Learn about a change Appalachian Power Co. is proposing that would actually discourage more solar on rooftops by attending one of our virtual “office hours” on solar.

When people install solar panels on their roof or in their backyard, they almost always stay connected to their electric utility’s grid — in this case, Appalachian Power. This way, you can use grid power at night, and if your panels generate more electricity during the day than you use, your excess solar energy can be used by someone else. Appalachian Power would simply bill you for any difference — the electricity you used, minus the excess electricity your panels put onto the grid. This is called “net metering.”

Today, Appalachian Power must compensate you for your excess solar electricity at the same retail rate you pay to use grid power. But the company is proposing to slash the rates it pays to its customers for their excess solar power. This change would deter people from installing more solar at their homes and businesses because it would lower or eliminate savings on their monthly power bill.

Instead of enacting policies to deter solar generation, Appalachian Power should be encouraging solar. Join Appalachian Voices for virtual “office hours” on the power company’s proposed change to solar payments known as net metering. We’ll provide background information on the company’s proposal and how you can speak up on this change with state regulators. 

The agency is accepting public comments on this proposal through May 13. Virginia regulators need to hear from you! Join our office hours to learn how you can weigh in!