Bryan City Council Approves Solar Rate Transition; Early Budget Outlook Shows Fiscal Strength
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) — It was a marathon day at Bryan City Hall as council members tackled everything from the city’s future financial health to a controversial change in how residents are billed for solar energy.
Solar Rate Decision Sparks Backlash
After weeks of heated debate, the Bryan City Council officially approved a new rate structure for Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) solar customers on Tuesday. The decision changes how the utility compensates the more than 800 local homes equipped with solar panels.
Under the previous “net metering” rules, BTU bought back excess power from solar users at the full retail rate. The new model reduces that buyback rate to a “market value,” which BTU officials argue is necessary to cover the infrastructure costs—such as power lines and linemen—that all customers use.
“When you purchase an apple at the grocery store, you aren’t just paying for the fruit. You’re also paying for the shipping costs to get it there, the grocery store workers,” said Megan Brown, BTU Interim Executive Director of Business and Customer Operations. “The solar energy is the apple. The retail power is what you would pay at the grocery store because there are other costs involved.”
To soften the blow for those who invested thousands in solar technology, the council approved a “step-down” transition model. Instead of an immediate cut, customers will receive a grace period based on when they installed their panels:
- 2026 Installers: 6 years under old rules
- 2025: 5 years
- 2024: 4 years
- 2023: 3 years
- 2022: 2 years
- 2021 & Earlier: 1 year
Despite the compromise, long-time solar advocates expressed frustration. Mary Adam, who has had panels since 2008, told the council she feels the city is breaking a promise.
“I signed my interconnectivity agreement in 2008. BTU came out and did a nice little promotional video… look at my panels, aren’t I good?” Adam said during public comment. “Besides breaking a contract, you’re pushing people away from renewable energy.”
The new rates are set to take effect in September. BTU says they are available to provide individual bill comparisons for customers concerned about the impact.
Early 2027 Budget Outlook
Earlier in the day, the council got its first look at the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and Capital Improvement Plan. While budget season is still months away, city leaders say the early signs are encouraging.
Council Member Jared Salvato highlighted a promising trend: the city’s “cash spend” is down, meaning departments are building up their own “savings accounts.”
“We’ve been able through fiscal responsibility to build that cash out by having a positive budget as we get ready to do more capital projects as things are needed,” Salvato said, noting the funds will go toward trash trucks, street repairs, and drainage.
This fiscal strength allows the city to fund major projects without taking on as much debt.
For residents with questions about their specific solar bills, BTU has established a dedicated email address at solar@btutilities.com.