California bill could cut solar credits, impact millions of power users

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assembly Bill 942, set for its first hearing on Wednesday, has sparked a heated debate over its potential impact on California’s energy landscape.

The bill, authored by Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon, proposes to slash energy credits for rooftop solar panels, limit the current program’s benefits to ten years instead of twenty, and cancel solar contracts if a home is sold.

Calderon said her legislation aims to address the financial imbalance faced by non-solar customers. “Last year alone, non-solar customers paid 8.5 billion dollars to subsidize the rooftop solar customers,” she said.

“That’s roughly one-fourth of non-solar customers’ electricity bill. It’s making electricity unaffordable for millions of Californians. Those who cannot afford solar are paying the most.”

However, opponents argue that AB 942 would undermine existing agreements with solar users.

“By breaking these contracts we are betraying the trust that these solar users put in the State of California that they would honor their end of the agreement,” said Dave Rosenfeld .

Rosenfeld with the Solar Rights Alliance criticized Calderon, noting her past as an executive for Southern California Edison.

He said, “Economists have found that last year alone rooftop solar saved all ratepayers one and a half billion dollars and it’s quite simple why because when people make their own energy at home the utilities don’t have to spend as much money on stuff.”

The Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee will consider the bill on Wednesday.