Company files response to PSC’s proposed net metering rule

Mississippi Power filed comments today in the Mississippi Public Service Commission’s Renewable Energy Net Metering and Distributed Generation Interconnection docket.

Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to feed electricity they do not use back into the grid, receiving credit for that energy on their bills.

The company released the following statement on its filing in response to the Commission’s proposed rule on net metering:

“As we have proven, Mississippi Power supports the future of renewable energy. We believe in renewable energy not only as part of an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy for the communities we serve, but we believe that appropriate rules are needed to ensure the sustainable growth of renewable energy in Mississippi and fair treatment for all customers.

“Our comments were based off of proposals by the PSC. We also agree with their proposed limits on distributed renewable energy system capacities to 10 KW for residential and 2 MW for commercial and industrial installations as well as the overall cap of 3 percent of a utility’s distribution peak demand. Additionally, we believe that while firm, 3-percent cap is appropriate, the limit should be converted to a megawatt limit based on 3 percent of the past three years’ average distribution peak demand.

“The company also proposes that 25 percent of the cap be dedicated to small scale (10 KW or less) residential systems, such as rooftop solar, in order for more of these customers to have the opportunity to take advantage of the program. Additionally, to ensure that participation is spread across as many commercial and industrial customers as possible, the company proposes a limit of 125 percent of the peak demand of the commercial or industrial facility up to the 2 MW limit.

“Mississippi Power’s commitment to renewable energy is already evident in our recent proposal for more than 100 MW of cost-effective utility-scale solar which would make Mississippi Power the largest purchaser of solar energy produced in the state.

“We look forward to working with the PSC and other parties in ensuring sustainable growth for renewable energy in Mississippi.”