April 08, 2021
INDIANAPOLIS – A broad coalition of solar, environmental, and consumer advocates condemn a recent decision that will considerably set back the rooftop solar market in Southwest Indiana.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) delivered a final order on Wednesday that will significantly reduce the credit received by future solar owners served by CenterPoint Energy, while also changing the period for earning credits so that more of the customer-owned solar generation is credited at the new lower rate.
The IURC’s ruling in the case (Cause No. 45378) is a dramatic setback for customer-owned solar in CenterPoint’s service territory, solidifying the utility’s monopoly stranglehold on captive consumers in Southwest Indiana.
The coalition of advocates comprise decades of work towards environmental and consumer outcomes in Indiana, the Midwest and nation.
“Once again, consumers lose at the IURC and monopolies win. It is shortsighted decisions like these that continue to leave Hoosier consumers behind and Indiana in the Dark Ages.” Kerwin Olson, executive director, Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana
“We’re very disappointed that the IURC chose to prioritize CenterPoint’s profits over the interests of CenterPoint’s customers. The IURC’s decision is contrary to the plain language of Indiana law.” Brad Klein, Senior Attorney, Environmental Law & Policy Center
“Solar owners deserve fair value for the electricity they generate. Rooftop solar benefits all customers by harvesting sunshine to produce clean electricity close to where it’s used. We’re disappointed in the IURC’s decision to protect CenterPoint’s monopoly profits at Hoosiers’ expense instead of standing up for consumers by supporting rooftop solar.” Zach Schalk, Indiana Program Director, Solar United Neighbors
“While other parts of the Midwest move to modernize their electric grid, invest in resilient clean energy and expand customer choice, Indiana decided to move backwards. Southern Indiana families and businesses want to choose clean energy, but without access to fair compensation for investing in local, homegrown solar, the IURC is severely limiting that choice, and the community benefits that come with it.” Will Kenworthy, Regulatory Director, Midwest, Vote Solar