Duke Energy looking to roll out Solar Choice Net Metering program

Duke Energy is looking to roll out a new program in the Carolinas called Solar Choice Net Metering, which credits small customers with rooftop solar arrays for excess electricity they generate and provide to Duke Energy via the grid.

The program is designed to provide pricing and incentive options for customers in North Carolina and South Carolina while allowing the company to address increasing electric demand periods in the winter.

Duke Energy recently reached an agreement with leading solar installers, environmental groups, and renewable energy advocates to launch the program. It now seeks approval from regulators.

“This first-of-a-kind package completely modernizes the rooftop solar transaction,” Lon Huber, Duke Energy’s vice president for rate design and strategic solutions, said. “This new arrangement not only recognizes the value of solar and the enabling energy grid, but it unlocks additional benefits for all customers by addressing when utilities experience peak demand across their systems in the Carolinas.”

This collaborative effort involves a partnership with several organizations, including Vote Solar and North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association; the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, Upstate Forever, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy; and leading rooftop solar installer Sunrun.

“Collaboration brought us a pathway to growing renewables in the state with Act 62, and that spirit of working together created this plan for the continued expansion of solar in South Carolina,” Mike Callahan, Duke Energy South Carolina state president, said. “Duke Energy is committed to the cooperative spirit that has been a hallmark of achieving successful solar policy and creating a cleaner energy future for customers in South Carolina.”

If approved by regulators, Duke anticipates a transitional tariff to be available on June 1, 2021, to allow for a full transition into the new plan on or before Jan. 1, 2022.

“Duke Energy deserves credit for its leadership in bringing stakeholders together, establishing trust through transparency, and embracing policy innovation,” Thad Culley, senior regional director for Vote Solar, said. “I am hopeful that this collaborative approach will encourage more partnerships with Duke Energy as we try to navigate our way toward a cleaner, more resilient grid while providing additional choices for South Carolina families.”